HR Business Partner / HR Manager (Part‑time)

About the role

Whispering Smith, a long‑established fashion and apparel business in Manchester, is seeking a part‑time HR Business Partner / HR Manager. This standalone position will own the full HR function and be responsible for monthly payroll, offering hands‑on support to managers and employees across the company.

Key responsibilities

• Act as the primary point of contact for all HR matters, providing practical advice to managers and staff.
• Manage employee relations including absence, performance, disciplinary and grievance processes.
• Maintain and update HR policies, procedures, contracts and the employee handbook.
• Support recruitment, selection and onboarding activities.
• Oversee the leaver process, conduct exit interviews and ensure final payroll accuracy.
• Process monthly payroll accurately and on time.
• Maintain employee records and HR systems, monitoring holidays, sickness and time‑keeping.
• Assist with performance reviews, development discussions and succession planning.
• Ensure compliance with employment law and internal policies.
• Provide HR reporting and people‑related management information as required.

Required profile

• Experienced HR generalist comfortable working independently in an SME environment.
• Commercially minded with the ability to balance operational detail and strategic business advice.
• Visible and accessible, able to build strong relationships across the organisation.
• Confident handling the full employee lifecycle, from recruitment to exit.

Required skills

• Payroll processing
• HR administration and record‑keeping
• Employee relations management

What we offer

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience.
• Flexible start/finish times with a 2‑3 day per week schedule.
• 100 % onsite role at 274 Deansgate, Manchester.
• Opportunity to shape HR strategy as the sole HR professional in the business.