HR Manager - 3 month FTC

We're recruiting on behalf of a well-established logistics business who are looking for an experienced HR Manager to join them on a 3-month fixed-term contract, supporting absence management, policy review and day-to-day employee relations during a period of operational change.

The Role

Based near Maidstone, Kent, and reporting into the COO, you'll work closely with site managers and the senior leadership team to deliver consistent, compliant and pragmatic HR support. This is a hands-on role for someone who's comfortable working autonomously and confident influencing operational colleagues to get things done.

Your key responsibilities will cover:

• Absence management: managing short and long-term absence cases, return-to-work meetings, occupational health referrals and accurate absence reporting

• Casework and investigations: leading informal and formal capability, conduct and grievance cases, preparing documentation and supporting managers through hearings and appeals

• Policy review: reviewing and updating HR policies (absence, flexible working, sick pay) to reflect current legislation and business needs

• Employee relations: advising managers on day-to-day ER issues and promoting consistent policy application across sites

• Compliance: maintaining employee records in line with GDPR and producing absence and casework reports for senior stakeholders

• Manager coaching: building capability across the business through guidance on absence, performance and policy

• Project support: contributing to broader HR process improvements as required

About You

You'll be a pragmatic HR generalist with solid casework experience, particularly around absence management. You'll have:

• Proven ER, absence and disciplinary/grievance casework experience, ideally in logistics, manufacturing or a fast-paced operations environment

• Strong, up-to-date knowledge of UK employment law

• The confidence to advise operational managers and deliver difficult messages where needed

• Strong record-keeping and HRIS experience

• A CIPD qualification (desirable) or equivalent hands-on casework experience

• The right to work in the UK for the duration of the contract

Package

• 3-month FTC, full-time (extension possible depending on business need)

• £60,000 pro rata

• Based near Maidstone, Kent,

• Hybrid working (3 days on site)

Due to the volume of applications we receive, we aren't always able to respond to every candidate individually. If you haven't heard from us within two weeks of applying, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. We may retain your details for relevant future opportunities.

Our client is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. All applicants will be considered on merit.