We are seeking an experienced senior HR professional to join our team on a 12-month fixed-term contract to provide maternity cover. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who has successfully operated in a standalone HR role within an SME environment and is comfortable balancing both strategic and operational responsibilities. Our ideal candidate will be able to commence the position from September 2026 - August 2027.
The current post holder has been in the role for three years and has established the foundations of the People function, implementing key HR processes, policies and initiatives whilst acting as a trusted advisor to the Senior Leadership Team. The successful candidate will inherit a well-established function and be responsible for maintaining momentum, supporting the business operationally and continuing to drive strategic people initiatives.
The role includes line management responsibility for the Office Manager, who provides support with day-to-day HR administration. This is a varied role where you'll provide both strategic and operational HR leadership, driving effective people practices, supporting leaders through change, and ensuring an exceptional employee experience.
You'll oversee the delivery of high-quality HR services across the employee lifecycle, ensuring compliance with employment legislation while fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-performing culture. Success in this role requires a proactive, organised and collaborative approach, with the ability to influence stakeholders, build trusted relationships at all levels, and balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Day to day responsibilities
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Provide strategic HR advice and coaching to managers, supporting effective decision-making and leadership capability.
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Lead organisational change initiatives, ensuring effective communication, engagement and implementation.
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Use people data and insights to identify trends, inform decision-making and drive continuous improvement.
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Lead on complex employee relations matters, including disciplinary, grievance, capability, absence management and organisational change.
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Ensure all employee relations cases are managed fairly, consistently and in line with employment legislation and company policies.
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Support managers in resolving people issues while minimising organisational risk
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Support workforce planning and recruitment activities to attract and retain high-quality talent.
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Drive performance management processes, ensuring managers are equipped to effectively manage performance.
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Champion succession planning and talent development.
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Foster a positive, inclusive and engaging workplace culture.
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Support employee engagement initiatives and action planning following engagement surveys.
Skills & Experience
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CIPD Level 5 qualification or equivalent HR experience (Level 7 desirable).
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Proven experience in a generalist role within a SME organisation.
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Strong knowledge of UK employment legislation and HR best practice.
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Experience partnering with senior leaders in a commercial environment.
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Strong influencing, coaching and stakeholder management skills.
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
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Ability to interpret HR metrics and use data to inform decisions.
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Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
About LIMA
At LIMA, we help organisations achieve their ambitions through insight-led technology strategy and managed services that enhance resilience, drive performance, and support sustainable growth. But we know that our success is powered by our people.
We’re proud to be a Great Place to Work™ company for the second year running, and our team consistently tells us that the people are the best thing about working here. We recognise and reward the hard work of our colleagues with competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, wellbeing support and a strong benefits package.
