Human Resources Manager

Company Description

UK Management College emphasises providing quality education to students from diverse backgrounds. Our mission is to cater to a wide range of students. Located in the heart of Manchester, our college combines the academic excellence and facilities of a major institution with the supportive atmosphere of a close-knit community. With a focus on practical, real-world skills, we aim to prepare graduates for a bright future in their chosen careers.

Role Description

This is a full-time, on-site role located in Manchester for a human resources manager. The HR Manager will oversee recruitment and staffing processes, maintain compliance with employment regulations, and advise senior leadership on human resources policies and strategies. Responsibilities include managing employee relations, implementing HR policies, developing internal training programs, and ensuring workplace equity and inclusion. The role also involves supervising HR staff, monitoring employee performance, and fostering a positive work environment.

Job Title: HR Manager (Generalist)

Sector:

Reporting To: The post-holder will report directly to the Head of HR. The Provost of the College acts as Executive Lead for the role and will work collaboratively with the Head of HR, including providing interim line management oversight during periods of Head of HR absence.

Role Summary

The HR Manager (Generalist) provides operational HR support across academic and professional services staff, ensuring compliance with UK employment law, HE sector frameworks, and institutional policies. The role supports managers in delivering fair, consistent people practices while promoting an inclusive, research- and teaching-focused culture.

Key Responsibilities

HR Advisory & Employee Relations

• Support the Head of HR with providing up to date and consistent HR advice and guidance to Board of Directors, Executive Board and Heads of Departments,
• Support employee relations cases including sickness absence, disciplinary, grievance, capability, and probation

Recruitment & Onboarding

• Oversee recruitment for academic and professional services roles
• Ensure compliance with right-to-work checks, fixed-term contract regulations, and equality legislation
• Oversee onboarding for new colleagues including probation and mentoring arrangements

Policy, Compliance & Governance

• Support the Head of HR with maintenance of HR policies aligned with HE governance structures
• Ensure compliance with employment law, GDPR, and internal regulatory frameworks
• Assist with audits, equality reporting, and sector benchmarking

Engagement, Equality & Wellbeing

• Support equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives
• Contribute to staff engagement and wellbeing programmes
• Promote positive employee relations in a unionised environment

Compensation & Benefits

·      Ensure that monthly payroll is run accurately and on-time

·      Liaise with Line Managers regarding overtime and timesheet anomalies 

Selection Criteria

Essential

• CIPD Level 5 qualification (or working towards)
• 3–5 years’ UK HR generalist or advisory experience
• Practical knowledge of UK employment law
• Experience supporting employee relations cases
• Ability to work confidently with academic stakeholders
• Strong written, verbal, and report-writing skills
• Payroll Knowledge

Desirable

• HR experience in Higher Education or public sector
• Experience working in a unionised environment
• Understanding of academic probation and fixed-term contracts
• CIPD Level 7 (or intention to progress)