HR Manager

HR Manager

A fantastic opportunity for an experienced HR Manager to join a fast-growing defence AI company of around 30 people. This is the organisation's first dedicated HR hire, so you'll be stepping into a hands-on and pivotal role where you can truly shape the HR function and influence company culture as the business continues to scale.

Location: Saffron Walden, Essex – 5 days a week on site (please note this office location is very difficult to reach if commuting by public transport from London)

Salary: £55,000 – £70,000 per annum (depending on experience)

Requirements for HR Manager:

• Proven experience in a broad HR role, ideally within a start-up, scale-up, or fast-paced SME, where you were responsible for the entire HR function.
  
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
  
• Comfortable operating as a standalone HR function, covering both strategic and day-to-day tasks.
  
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, able to act as a trusted adviser to both employees and leadership.
  
• Proactive and adaptable with the ability to work independently.
  
• 2.1 or 1st class Degree in a related subject, i.e. Human Resource Management, Business, Management etc, with a strong academic history (preferred)
  
• CIPD Level 5 or above (desirable, not essential).
  
• A full UK driving licence is ideal.
  
• Due to the nature of some client projects, you must be willing and eligible to obtain Security Clearance
  

Responsibilities for HR Manager:

• Oversee the full employee lifecycle, including onboarding, probation, performance reviews, and offboarding.
  
• Act as the go-to person for all HR matters, providing guidance and support to employees and managers.
  
• Develop and maintain HR policies, procedures, and the employee handbook, ensuring compliance with UK employment law.
  
• Manage employee relations issues, offering practical and legally compliant solutions.
  
• Manage all employee travel logistics, including flight bookings, hotel reservations, and local transport requirements.
  
• Coordinate payroll input and benefits administration in collaboration with finance and external providers.
  
• Maintain accurate HR systems and employee records.
  
• Support employee development, learning opportunities, and career progression initiatives.
  
• Lead engagement and culture-building activities to foster an inclusive and supportive environment.
  
• Assist leadership with workforce planning and organisational development.
  
• Ensure compliance with statutory obligations, including health & safety.
  
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion across the organisation.
  

What the role offers:

• The chance to set up and lead the HR function in a scaling defence AI company.
  
• A collaborative, innovative, and supportive working environment.
  

Applications:

If you're excited by the opportunity to join a growing defence AI company as their first HR Manager, please apply with your CV via the relevant links.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require reasonable adjustments to support your application, please email Show email (if this email address is removed by the job board, our full contact details are available on our website).

Keywords: HR Manager / People Manager / HR Business Partner / People Partner / HR Generalist / People Lead / Talent & Culture Manager / HR Officer / People Operations Manager / Head of People / Employee Experience Manager / HR Specialist / UK Employment Law / HR Policies / Payroll / Employee Relations / Health & Safety / Learning & Development / Diversity & Inclusion / CIPD / Organisational Development