A superb new opportunity has arisen for a hands-on HR Manager to work within an established SME based near Rugby. You will take full ownership of the HR function, working closely with managers and the Senior Leadership Team to support the business both operationally and strategically. Based in attractive rural offices, this is a strong opportunity for an experienced HR professional to carve out a standalone role, influence how people are managed, and make a lasting impact on the business going forward. This position will suit someone who enjoys being visible within the business, is comfortable working autonomously, and takes a practical, commercially focused approach to HR. Key Responsibilities

Act as the sole HR professional for the business, owning the full employee lifecycle

Lead on all disciplinary and grievance matters, including investigations, hearings and outcomes

Manage dismissals, performance management and absence issues in line with UK employment law

Deliver effective onboarding and offboarding, ensuring a professional and consistent employee experience

Review, consolidate and improve HR processes, policies and procedures, bringing clarity and consistency

Advise and coach managers on best practice people management, employment law and risk

Support the Senior Leadership Team, providing pragmatic and commercially sound HR advice

Develop and support succession planning, identifying future talent and capability needs

Maintain accurate HR records, contracts and documentation

Ensure ongoing compliance with UK employment legislation

About You

CIPD qualified, ideally to Level 5

Proven experience in a standalone or generalist HR Manager role, ideally within an SME environment

Background in construction or engineering would be highly advantageous, particularly where CIS workers or subcontractors form part of the workforce

Practical experience dealing with CIS compliance, subcontractor onboarding and advising managers on correct engagement

Confident managing complex employee relations issues end-to-end

Comfortable operating autonomously with minimal supervision

Able to influence and challenge managers constructively at all levels

Strong working knowledge of UK employment law with a pragmatic and commercial approach

Organised, credible and resilient

The Offer

A genuinely autonomous HR role with real influence

The opportunity to shape and improve HR rather than simply maintain it

Close working relationship with senior leaders in a growing SME

Attractive rural office location (own transport likely required)

INDL