Our engineering client has an exciting opportunity for a Deputy HR Manager to join its team. This role will support the HR Manager across all areas. This is an onsite role, working hours Monday-Friday 08:30 – 17:00.

Job Purpose:
To support the HR Manager in all HR-related tasks and deputise in their absence, with the intention of progressing into the HR Manager’s role as part of the company’s HR succession plan.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

Recruitment and Selection:

• Drafting job adverts and descriptions in consultation with hiring managers.
• Advertising vacancies both internally (via noticeboards) and externally (via job boards).
• Communicating with agency representatives when necessary (via phone and email).
• Reviewing CVs and application forms and distributing them to hiring managers.
• Arranging interviews with candidates and liaising with agency representatives as needed.
• Reviewing and developing effective recruitment strategies, reporting recruitment statistics to Directors, and providing metrics to demonstrate success or offer alternative recruitment solutions to the Senior Team.

New Starter Process:

• Generating and distributing starter paperwork (via email or post).
• Processing new starter paperwork in collaboration with the HR team, supporting the HR Apprentice when needed, and calculating annual holiday entitlements.
• Updating the HRIS for all new starters.
• Ensuring references are obtained for all new starters.
• Coordinating and delivering induction processes for all new employees.

Administration:

• Managing administration related to staff employment.
• Maintaining employment and training records for all employees in compliance with GDPR, ensuring accuracy and regular updates in Simply Personnel.
• Assisting the HR Manager in generating employment data for managerial use.
• Organising staff welfare-related events as required.
• Researching, evaluating, and suggesting staff incentives that benefit both employees and the company.
• Identifying and recommending process improvement opportunities to enhance efficiency within the HR team, in consultation with the HR Manager.

Systems Maintenance:

• Maintaining accurate employee records within HR databases and clocking systems.
• Liaising with internal and external technical support to ensure systems run correctly.
• Generating reports from HR databases and creating bespoke reports as needed.

People Management:

• Assisting managers with grievance and disciplinary hearings and any resulting dismissals or follow-up actions, in consultation with NatWest Mentor, and generating required paperwork.
• Advising managers on HR and people-related issues.
• Providing HR data and updates for the HR Manager to liaise with Directors on HR matters.
• Training and mentoring new starters in the HR department.
• Supporting the development of the HR Apprentice.

Candidate Experience Required:

• Educational Background: CIPD Level 5 qualification or qualified by experience
• Experience in HR: Proven experience in an HR role, preferably with exposure to recruitment, onboarding, HR administration, and employee relations.
• Technical Proficiency: Experience using HRIS systems (e.g., Simply Personnel would be ideal} and generating reports. Competence in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with employees, managers, and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of Employment Law: Familiarity with employment law and HR best practices to assist in grievance and disciplinary procedures.
• Organisational Skills: Strong ability to multitask, prioritise workload, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Process Improvement: Experience identifying and implementing process improvements within an HR context is advantageous.
• Mentorship/Leadership: Experience training or mentoring team members is a plus.
• Attention to Detail: Strong attention to detail, particularly in handling sensitive employee data and compliance with GDPR.