Head of People & Business Operations
About the role
We are looking for an experienced Head of People & Business Operations to join our leadership team and play a key role in shaping how our business operates and grows. The role will be based at our Wrexham Workshop and Design Studio.
This is a hands-on, highly varied role in a 60-person manufacturing company where you will take full ownership of HR while also supporting the smooth running of several operational areas.
As the stand-alone HR lead, you will work closely with the Owner and leadership team, advising on people strategy, supporting business decisions and helping to build a strong, positive workplace culture.
Alongside leading HR, you will oversee several operational support functions including administration, health and safety, purchasing, client visits and IT relationships, ensuring the business runs efficiently and effectively.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working in an entrepreneurial SME environment, where you can make decisions, influence change and see the direct impact of your work.
The Role
People & HR Leadership
- Lead the HR function across the business as the sole HR professional
- Provide practical HR advice and support to managers
- Manage recruitment, onboarding and employee development
- Handle employee relations matters and performance management
- Maintain HR policies and ensure employment law compliance
- Support employee engagement and organisational development
Leadership & Strategic Support
- Act as a trusted advisor to the Owner.
- Contribute to leadership team discussions and business planning
- Support managers to build strong, effective teams
Operations Oversight
- Oversee day-to-day business administration and operational support
- Line manager a business support administrator
- Ensure the efficient and cost-effective purchasing process and align closely with our finance team
- Ensure internal processes run smoothly and efficiently
Health & Safety
- Line manage the Health, Safety & Facilities Lead
- Support a strong culture of safety and compliance across the business
IT & Systems
- Manage the relationship with the external IT support provider
- Oversee IT contracts and renewals
Team Leadership
- Manage two direct reports and support the wider team
About You
You will be a confident and pragmatic HR leader who enjoys working in a fast-moving SME environment.
You are comfortable balancing strategic thinking with hands-on delivery and can confidently support senior leaders in making people and business decisions.
You will likely have:
- Experience leading HR in a small or medium-sized business
- Experience operating as a stand-alone HR lead or within a very small HR team
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law
- Experience advising senior leaders and managers
- A practical, solutions-focused approach
- The ability to manage multiple priorities across people and operations
It would be a bonus if you have:
- Experience working in a small creative, entrepreneurial or founder-led business
- Exposure to manufacturing, engineering or product-led businesses
- Experience overseeing administration or operational support functions
Why Join Us
- Leadership team role with real influence
- Broad, varied role with genuine impact
- Opportunity to shape the people strategy of a growing business
Benefits
- 30 days annual leave including bank holidays increasing with length of service.
- Your birthday day off.
- Company sick pay.
- Enhanced Pension Contributions (Silverlining contribute 6%).
- Employee Assistance Program
- Health Cash Plan (Health Shield)
