Job Description: HR Manager (Employee Relations)
Job Title: HR Manager
Location: Orpington
Reports to: Office Manager & Managing Directors
Industry: Commercial Cleaning / Facilities Management
Job Purpose
The HR Manager will lead and deliver a proactive, commercially focused HR service across the business, with a key emphasis on employee relations.
This role is critical in supporting a dispersed, frontline workforce, ensuring compliance with employment legislation, driving positive employee engagement, and managing complex people matters across multiple client contracts.
Key Responsibilities
1. Employee Relations (Primary Focus)
- Lead on all employee relations matters including disciplinary, grievance, absence management, and performance issues.
- Provide expert advice and guidance to managers on employment law and best practice.
- Manage complex and high-risk ER cases through to resolution, including documentation and hearings.
- Support line managers in conducting investigations, hearings, and appeals.
- Ensure consistency and fairness across all people processes.
- Proactively identify trends in ER issues and recommend preventative measures.
3. HR Operations & Advisory
- Provide day-to-day HR support to managers for multiple sites/contracts.
- Develop and implement HR policies and procedures in line with legislation and business needs.
- Ensure compliance with UK employment law and industry regulations.
- Support workforce planning, recruitment, and onboarding processes.
- Maintain accurate HR records and reporting.
4. Engagement & Culture
- Promote a positive workplace culture within a largely mobile and remote workforce.
- Support initiatives to improve employee engagement, retention, and morale.
- Work closely with operations teams to understand workforce challenges (e.g., high turnover, absenteeism).
5. Training & Development
- Coach and upskill managers in handling people issues effectively.
- Deliver training on HR topics such as disciplinary procedures, absence management, and TUPE awareness.
2. TUPE Management – ***Additional Training will be provided for you***
- Manage and support all TUPE transfers (in and out), ensuring full compliance with legislation.
- Act as the HR lead during mobilisation and demobilisation of contracts.
- Liaise with clients during TUPE processes.
- Coordinate due diligence, employee liability information (ELI), and consultation processes.
- Support consultation meetings with affected employees and representatives.
Essential Experience
- Proven experience in an HR Manager or Senior HR Advisor role.
- Strong background in employee relations, including complex case management.
- Experience working with a blue-collar / operational workforce (e.g., cleaning, facilities management, logistics).
Knowledge & Skills
- In-depth knowledge of UK employment law.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Commercial awareness and pragmatic approach to HR.
- High level of confidentiality and professionalism.
Key Competencies
- Resilient and confident in handling challenging situations
- Strong problem-solving ability
- Highly organised and detail-oriented
- Approachable and supportive
Additional Information
- Role will involve occasional travel to client sites.
- Experience in contract-based or service industries is highly advantageous.
Summary
This is a hands-on HR role requiring a strong operational focus. The successful candidate will be confident managing ER issues in a demanding environment.
Pay: £52,000.00-£55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
- Transport links
Work Location: In person
