HR Manager; FTC mat cover

Position: HR Manager (12-15 month FTC mat cover) (Permanent)
Paying up to £48k + Hybrid Workingmonths FTC)

A fast-growing, innovative business in Rochdale is seeking an experienced HR Manager to provide leadership of the Human Resources and Payroll function during a period of maternity cover, ensuring continuity, compliance, and consistently high standards of service across all HR operations.

THE JOB

The HR Manager will act as a trusted advisor to managers and employees, delivering professional, consistent HR support and maintaining robust people processes. The role will also ensure the organisation is well prepared for forthcoming employment law developments arising from the Employment Rights Bill.

In addition, the postholder will oversee the effective day-to-day operation of the recently implemented Moorepay HR and payroll system, ensuring accuracy, data integrity, and smooth ongoing use.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide strategic and operational leadership of the HR and Payroll function, acting as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on workforce planning, organisational structure, and performance, while leading and developing the HR and payroll team

Oversee all employee relations activity, ensuring consistent, fair, and legally compliant outcomes, and maintain robust HR policies, procedures, and documentation in line with UK employment law, including upcoming changes under the Employment Rights Bill

Build management capability through coaching, training, and day-to-day support across performance management, absence, conduct, and grievance matters

Lead recruitment, onboarding, development, and retention activity, including succession planning, talent development, apprenticeships, and delivery of training to meet statutory, compliance, and organisational needs

Ensure the accurate and compliant delivery of monthly payroll and effective use of HR, payroll, and time and attendance systems, working closely with Finance on budgeting, reporting, and reward processes

Champion a positive, inclusive workplace culture by promoting employee engagement, wellbeing, diversity, and inclusion initiatives, and supporting employee forums and wellbeing programmes

Maintain strong governance and reporting, ensuring compliance with employment law and data protection requirements, accurate employee records, and meaningful HR metrics and reporting

THE PERSON

Essential:

CIPD Level 5 or 7 qualified, with proven experience in a senior HR generalist or HR Manager role

Strong leadership capability, with experience managing HR teams and overseeing payroll

In-depth knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice

Excellent communication, coaching, and influencing skills, with a high level of professionalism and discretion

Highly organised and analytical, with strong attention to detail and confidence using Microsoft Office and HR systems

Desirable:

Experience working in a manufacturing, FMCG, or family-owned business environment

Comfortable operating in a hands-on role while contributing at a strategic level

Experience with HR audit, compliance, payroll, and basic finance processes

Familiarity with Moorepay or similar HR and payroll systems (e.g. ADP)

Previous experience providing maternity or interim HR cover

THE BENEFITS

Flexible Working Opportunities

22 days holiday + the bank holidays (with the option to WFH during the bank holidays to gain additional days leave of your choice)

Pension Scheme

50% Employee Discount

Healthcare and Wellbeing Programme

Free, On-site Parking

A full calendar of employee engagement events throughout the year

* Please note that we are only able to consider applications from those who are eligible to work in the UK and therefore do not require sponsorship