HR Manager

Harris Hill is delighted to be working on behalf of Freelands Foundation, a charity dedicated to supporting innovative work across education, galleries and the wider arts sector. As HR Manager, you will play a pivotal role in delivering and overseeing the Foundation’s people strategy as it enters an exciting period of growth, including the expansion of key programmes, reaching new audiences and a major capital project. The role will be initially office-based throughout the probation period, moving to a hybrid arrangement of four days per week in the office thereafter.

Reporting to the Director of Finance and Operations, you will oversee the full employee lifecycle, ensuring HR processes, policies and practices are effective, compliant and aligned with the Foundation’s values and strategic objectives. This will include overseeing recruitment, selection and onboarding, employee records, performance management, training plans, flexible working and reasonable adjustment requests, as well as supporting disciplinary and grievance processes. You will review and improve HR systems and processes, maintain and update the employee handbook and HR policies in line with UK employment legislation and best practice, and provide advice and support to managers and colleagues across the organisation. You will also contribute to the Foundation’s wider people strategy, including its approach to diversity, equity and inclusion, employer brand, benefits and organisational development.

We are looking for an experienced HR generalist with substantial experience of supporting employees and senior managers within a small to medium-sized organisation. You will have a strong understanding of UK employment law and practical experience of delivering effective recruitment, onboarding and performance management processes, alongside the ability to develop well-researched recommendations on HR policy and practice. Excellent interpersonal, influencing, written and interviewing skills are essential, as is the ability to remain calm, objective and organised when managing sensitive or competing priorities. You will be proactive, collegiate and comfortable working in a deadline-driven environment, with a genuine commitment to Freelands Foundation’s mission to champion art education and a belief in the intrinsic value of art. A minimum CIPD Level 3 qualification or equivalent is required. Charity or arts-sector experience, change management, and coaching experience would be advantageous.

To apply, please submit your up-to-date CV by 30 August at 23:59.

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit a supporting document answering some specific questions after reviewing the full job description. Please note that only applicants with an unrestricted right to work in the UK will be considered for this position.

Please note, only successful applicants will be contacted with further information.

As a leading charity recruitment specialist and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.