SD Group is a growing and ambitious e-commerce business based in Norfolk, UK.
As we enter the next phase of our growth, we're looking for an experienced People & Performance Manager to help shape a high-performing organisation where great people, clear accountability and strong leadership drive commercial success.
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you'll lead the people function across the business, partnering with managers to recruit outstanding talent, develop employees, improve performance, strengthen leadership capability and ensure our people processes support a fast-moving commercial environment.
We're looking for someone who enjoys building structure, challenging where necessary, and helping managers get the very best from their teams. You'll be equally comfortable discussing business performance with senior leadership as you are supporting managers through day-to-day people matters.
This role is based at our Norwich headquarters, with occasional travel to other company locations. The role is full time or we are happy to consider part time with a minimum of 4 days per week. This is an on site role where hybrid/remote working is not available.
Key Responsibilities
You'll take ownership of the employee journey from recruitment through to development and performance management, ensuring our people strategy supports business growth.
Your responsibilities will include:
Recruitment & Talent
- Lead recruitment across the business from role design through to appointment.
- Work with managers to identify talent requirements and improve hiring decisions.
- Develop accurate job descriptions and role profiles.
- Deliver effective onboarding and probation processes that set clear expectations from day one.
Performance & Development
- Lead the company's performance review and appraisal process.
- Support managers in setting objectives, providing feedback and managing performance.
- Coach managers to confidently address underperformance and employee development.
- Coordinate training and development initiatives aligned with business objectives.
- Manage salary review processes, ensuring consistency and market competitiveness.
HR, Compliance & Employee Relations
- Maintain employee records, contracts and HR documentation.
- Ensure compliance with employment legislation, GDPR and HR best practice.
- Support management with absence, conduct, and HR matters in line with company procedures.
- Review and develop company policies to ensure consistency and legal compliance.
Organisation & Continuous Improvement
- Help build scalable people processes that support future business growth.
- Maintain clear organisational structures and reporting lines.
- Improve HR systems, documentation and internal processes.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, engagement and management effectiveness.
Culture & Leadership
- Champion a positive, accountable and professional working culture.
- Support managers in becoming confident people leaders.
- Encourage clear communication, ownership and continuous improvement across the business.
- Act as a trusted adviser to the Managing Director and leadership team on all people matters.
About You
You'll be an experienced HR or People professional who combines commercial awareness with strong interpersonal skills. You're confident influencing managers, making balanced decisions and creating practical solutions that benefit both employees and the business.
You'll ideally have:
- Significant experience in a senior HR, People or operational leadership role within an SME.
- Proven experience managing recruitment, employee relations, performance management and HR compliance.
- Strong understanding of UK employment law.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills.
- Confidence working directly with senior leadership.
- The ability to influence, challenge and coach managers positively.
- A proactive, hands-on approach with excellent attention to detail.
- CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent) qualification.
Personal Qualities
We're looking for someone who is:
- Commercially minded and solutions focused.
- Professional, approachable and highly credible.
- Calm under pressure and confident handling sensitive situations.
- Organised, methodical and process driven.
- Fair, pragmatic and able to make balanced decisions.
- Passionate about helping people and businesses perform at their best.
Why Join SD Group?
This is an opportunity to build and shape the people function within a successful and growing business where your contribution will have genuine impact. You'll work closely with senior leadership, influence business decisions and play a key role in developing the culture, capability and future success of the company.
If you're looking for a role where you can make a real difference—not simply administer HR—we'd love to hear from you.
To apply, please email your CV and a covering letter explaining why you're the right person for this opportunity to [email protected].
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Norwich NR7 9BB: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Licence/Certification:
- CIPD level 5 or similar HR qualification (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
