HR Manager

Job Description: HR Manager (Fixed-Term Contract)

Contract Type: Fixed-Term Contract (FTC) Duration: 3-6 months Location: UK Reporting Line: HR Director

Salary: £50-60k pro-rata

Role Summary

We are seeking a hands-on HR Manager on a fixed-term contract to deliver end-to-end HR operations while contributing meaningful strategic HR impact within a fast-paced environment.

This FTC role is designed for a highly capable HR professional who can hit the ground running, providing immediate operational assistance (payroll, ER, systems, policies) while also progressing key people initiatives such as performance frameworks, workforce planning, organisational effectiveness, and data-led decision-making.

The role requires flexibility, pace, and confidence operating across the full HR spectrum from inductions and day-to-day support to senior stakeholder advisory and strategic delivery.

Key Responsibilities

HR Operations & Delivery

Lead end-to-end HR operations across the employee lifecycle during the contract period.

Act as a trusted HR point of contact for managers and employees across venues and central teams.

Ensure continuity, consistency, and compliance in all HR processes throughout the FTC.

Payroll & HR Systems

Working closely with HR Associate/HR Business Partner and Finance and external providers to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and statutory compliance.

Assist HR Associate/HR Business Partner with HR systems (HRIS, payroll, ATS, performance systems), with a strong understanding of system integration and data flow.

Improve data integrity and reporting capability during the contract where required.

Employee Relations (ER)

Manage ER casework end-to-end, including disciplinaries, grievances, capability, absence management, and investigations.

Provide clear, pragmatic advice aligned to UK employment law and best practice.

Confidently handle complex or sensitive cases with pace and professionalism.

Policy, Governance & Compliance

Review, update, and implement HR policies and procedures, ensuring legal compliance and operational relevance to hospitality/venue environments.

Support managers in consistent application of policies during the FTC period.

Job Architecture & Performance

Write, review, and maintain job descriptions across the organisation.

Lead or support performance review processes, including goal setting, reviews, and performance improvement.

Coach managers on effective performance management in fast-paced operational settings.

Data, Analytics & Insight

Use HR data and people analytics to identify trends (turnover, absence, resourcing gaps).

Provide clear, actionable insights to leadership to support operational and strategic decisions.

Strategic & Project-Based Work

Deliver defined people initiatives during the fixed term, such as

Performance frameworks

Workforce planning and resourcing models

Organisational design or change support

Manager capability uplift

Act as a credible advisor to senior stakeholders, balancing pragmatism with long-term thinking.

Inductions & Onboarding

Support or lead inductions and onboarding, particularly during peak hiring or change periods.

Ensure new starters are embedded quickly and effectively into the organisation.

Candidate Profile

Experience

Proven experience as an HR Manager (or equivalent) within hospitality, venues, events, or similarly high-volume environments.

Strong background in hands-on operational HR, with the confidence to deliver immediately in an FTC context.

Skills & Knowledge

Excellent understanding of UK employment law, ER best practice, and compliance.

Strong experience with payroll oversight and HR systems, including system integration.

Highly data-literate, comfortable using analytics to inform decisions.

Ability to operate comfortably at all levels, from frontline teams to senior leadership.

Personal Attributes

Pragmatic, adaptable, and delivery-focused.

Comfortable managing breadth and ambiguity typical of fixed-term roles.

Collaborative, credible, and calm under pressure.

Happy to roll up sleeves-no task too small, no issue too complex.

Sphere Digital Recruitment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.