Interim HR Manager

Interim HR Manager - 9-month - Telford (hybrid)

Overview

Our client, an established UK training and safety services business, is looking for an experienced Interim HR Manager to provide 9 months of maternity cover. This is a standalone, hands-on generalist role with genuine autonomy: you will own the people agenda for the UK business, support an international team, and lead a review of onboarding and induction.

Contract

9-month

Start

ASAP

Location

Telford, hybrid. Minimum 2 days a week on site, more at busier times

Reporting to

Senior leadership; no direct reports

Day rate

Up to £225 per day

The role

• Own all people policies: keep them current with employment law changes and recommend updates to leadership
• Coach and guideline managers on performance management, PIPs, disciplinary and grievance processes, and on communicating with employees in a legally sound way
• Provide pragmatic, solutions-focused advice: how to achieve the business outcome compliantly, not just what can't be done
• Draft job descriptions, issue contracts and offer documentation from existing templates
• Support hiring managers with recruitment: advertising, agency liaison and interview structure
• Run compliance reporting and reminders (right to work, document renewals, security checks)
• Provide light-touch support to HR colleagues in two overseas entities
• Deliver new-starter inductions and supply HR data to Finance for payroll

Projects during the contract

1. Lead a root-and-branch review of the onboarding and induction process and implement improvements
2. Support the integration of the HR information system with the finance system
3. Transition routine HR administration to the overseas support team, freeing the UK role to focus on strategic work

About you

• CIPD Level 4 or above
• Proven HR generalist experience in an SME, ideally as a standalone HR lead or in an interim capacity
• Strong, up-to-date UK employment law knowledge and the confidence to apply it pragmatically
• Experience owning an HR information system; you learn new platforms quickly and are comfortable being the in-house expert
• Confident with Excel and HR reporting
• Able to hit the ground running, work independently and build credibility quickly with line managers who rely heavily on HR support
• Comfortable in a business going through change, where the pace is busy and the role is hands-on

Why this role

You will have real autonomy and the trust of senior leadership to run the function your way, with a clear project to leave your mark on. For a confidential conversation, apply with your CV and current availability.