HR Manager – Standalone (Hybrid, Chester)

About the role

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced HR professional to lead the people function for an established, growing organisation in Chester. Working hybrid – three days a week in the office – you will be the sole HR contact for around 80 employees, combining strategic planning with hands‑on operational delivery.

Key responsibilities

• Manage employee relations matters, including absence, disciplinary, grievance, capability, performance, consultation and dismissal cases.
• Advise and coach managers on HR policies, procedures and UK employment law.
• Prepare clear employee‑relations documentation and maintain the Employee Handbook.
• Develop and deliver a practical people plan aligned with organisational priorities.
• Coordinate recruitment, contracts, onboarding and induction processes.
• Conduct pre‑employment and right‑to‑work checks.
• Monitor probation reviews, performance appraisals and mandatory training.
• Maintain accurate employee records, HR data and compliance information.
• Prepare monthly information for the outsourced payroll provider and support pension, benefits and payroll queries.
• Lead employee engagement, recognition and internal communication activities.
• Produce management information on headcount, absence, turnover, recruitment and training.
• Support consultations, restructures and wider organisational change.
• Improve employee retention, attendance, workplace behaviours and management capability.

Required profile

• Previous experience as an HR Manager or senior generalist HR role.
• Experience managing a standalone HR function or the ability to work independently.
• Strong practical employee‑relations and case‑management experience.
• Sound knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Confidence handling disciplinary, grievance, capability, absence, consultation and dismissal processes.
• Ability to balance strategic HR projects with operational duties.
• Experience creating HR processes and practical people plans.

Required skills

What we offer

• Competitive salary £40,000‑£45,000 per year, dependent on experience.
• Hybrid working model – three days per week in the Chester office.
• Opportunity to shape and improve HR processes during a key growth phase.