HR & Operations Manager

HR & Operations Manager
Location: Wendover, Buckinghamshire
Salary: £50,000–£60,000 per annum, depending on experience
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

About the Role

We are recruiting an experienced HR & People Manager on behalf of a growing construction, maintenance and project delivery business.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on HR professional to take ownership of the HR function while supporting the effective running of the head office. Working directly with the Directors and managers, you will provide practical HR advice, manage employee relations, oversee recruitment and develop effective performance management processes.

The role combines approximately 70–75% HR responsibilities with 25–30% office and business operations. The successful candidate will play a key role in improving HR processes, supporting managers and helping the business continue to grow.

Key Responsibilities

HR Management & Employee Relations

• Lead the day-to-day HR function, providing practical advice and guidance to managers and Directors.
• Manage employee relations matters, including disciplinary procedures, grievances, absence management, capability issues and performance concerns.
• Ensure HR policies, procedures and employment documentation comply with current UK employment legislation.
• Handle sensitive employee matters professionally, fairly and confidentially.
• Support managers with employee relations issues, probation reviews and difficult conversations.

Recruitment & Onboarding

• Manage the full recruitment process, from job descriptions and recruitment adverts to candidate screening, interviews and offers.
• Coordinate pre-employment checks, references, right-to-work documentation and new starter paperwork.
• Oversee onboarding, inductions and probation reviews to ensure a professional employee experience.
• Work with managers and Directors on workforce planning, recruitment requirements and succession planning.

Performance Management & Staff Development

• Develop and maintain effective performance management processes, including appraisals, objectives and performance improvement plans.
• Ensure probation reviews and performance reviews are completed on time.
• Identify training needs, skills gaps and employee development opportunities.
• Support management development, staff retention and career progression.

HR Policies, Compliance & Reporting

• Maintain accurate employee records and confidential HR documentation.
• Review and improve HR policies and procedures as the business grows.
• Monitor HR activity, including headcount, staff turnover, absence, recruitment, training and employee relations.
• Keep Directors informed of employment-law changes, potential HR risks and key workforce issues.

Office Management & Business Operations

• Oversee the day-to-day organisation and effectiveness of the head office.
• Support the administration and business support teams, ensuring responsibilities are clear and processes run efficiently.
• Improve internal communication between Directors, managers, office staff and operational teams.
• Identify opportunities to improve procedures, reduce unnecessary administration and strengthen accountability.
• Help maintain a professional, organised and positive working environment.

Essential Requirements

• Strong generalist HR experience, with the ability to manage the HR function independently.
• Proven experience handling employee relations, including disciplinary, grievance, capability and absence matters.
• Good working knowledge of UK employment law.
• Experience advising managers and working directly with senior management or business owners.
• Experience in recruitment, onboarding and performance management.
• Strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage confidential information and sensitive employee matters.
• A proactive, commercially minded and practical approach to HR management.

Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or equivalent practical experience preferred. CIPD Level 7 would be advantageous.

Experience in construction, facilities management, engineering, maintenance, manufacturing, property or another operational business would be beneficial.

What’s on Offer?

• Competitive salary of £50,000–£60,000, depending on experience.
• Full-time, permanent employment.
• Direct access to the Directors and the opportunity to influence business decisions.
• The opportunity to take ownership of HR management and develop the people function.
• A varied role combining employee relations, recruitment, performance management and office operations.
• Long-term career development, with the potential to progress towards a Head of HR or Head of People position.