HR Manager

VSL’s story started with a genuine technical revolution that helped broaden horizons for civil and construction engineers allowing them to push the boundaries of calculating structures further. Throughout the years we have continued to develop our products, equipment and construction technologies to respond to more and more stringent specifications in terms of quality, performance and construction speed.  The VSL Group  turnover in 2021 was €331m, the UK being £58m (€69), our current UK headcount is 102 (and increasing).

The purpose of this role will provide an effective and efficient operational human resources service to VSL UK team. It will be responsible for advising and supporting the operational teams and supporting the implementation of the company’s human resource strategy in order to achieve the optimum performance of the team. This role will report to the VSL Group HR Director with interaction with the wider VSL teams based internationally.

The HR Manager will support the management teams of the allocated areas and support in the development and implementation of HR strategy across these business areas. Specifically the HR Manager will be responsible for providing a first class HR service, provide the VSL management team with sound advice and direction on all HR topics. The role will report functionally to an HR Director and operationally to the Managing Director of VSL UK, and will be supported by our functional support services (Recruitment, L&D, Talent Management, Administration & HRIS).

Key Accountabilities and Tasks:

• Developing and implementing HR initiatives in line with organisational objectives
• Actively work alongside the HR Support Service Leads in areas such as recruitment and resource planning, learning and development, employee engagement, compensation and benefits, talent management HR information systems (HRIS) and financial planning of the HR department
• Liaise directly with the Management Team with accountability for the performance of HR and provide strategic counsel on all people matters
• Contributing to long-term goals around business and people development, including succession planning and talent development
• Leading the annual salary review process
• Development and oversight of Company Policies and Procedures in line with legislative and business objectives
• Leading the analysis of employee feedback and data, with the aim of creating a better working environment and engaged culture
• Taking a lead in promoting the company`s culture within the given operational area
• Participation in VSL-wide HR development initiatives

Essential Criteria:

• Qualified to degree level and hold a relevant professional certificate from an accredited organisation such as the CIPD.
• Solid experience in a HR management position including providing advice and support to managers.
• Strong understanding of the interviewing process, learning and development, benefits administration, payroll and other HR functions

Organisational skills - Personal efficiency, time management skills and the ability to prioritise competing demands are key

Communication skills - Expected to lead the HR agenda, managing diverse personalities and viewpoints. Consequently, emotional intelligence, the ability to build relationships and collaborate with others is vital

Commercial acumen – Supporting the strategic decision-making within the business as an influencer. Being able to understand company finances, resourcing and the ultimate aims of the business is important

Role modelling - Expected to demonstrate and lead on the values, initiatives and culture of the organisation.

Essential

• In depth experience in a HR business partner role.
• Good working knowledge of UK employment law.
• Excellent track record in employee relations.
• Ability to work within a matrix organisation
• Excellent verbal and written communication in English, French would be a bonus
• Ability to adapt in a changing environment.
• Travel in UK

Desirable:

• Previous experience in an engineering / civil engineering environment

Why VSL UK



Day in, day out, our teams deliver some of the most technically innovative and challenging projects across the UK and the world. With a strong corporate culture, our values reflect how we operate with Respect, Excellence, Courage, Integrity and Passion. We offer competitive basic salaries coupled with generous company benefits, including:

• 26 days annual leave, increasing to by 2 days for 2 years’ service (max 30 days)
• 2 paid for volunteer days
• Pension scheme
• Life insurance
• Private medical insurance
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Access to Lifestyle Benefits

Be Yourself!

We value the creativity and innovation that our diverse workforce brings, encouraging people from all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented communities to apply.

By joining us, you will be inspired to bring your full self to the workplace, speak up and share your unique ideas. You will also have an opportunity to join our employee led diversity & inclusion communities such as WeLink (women network), Encompass (LGBTQ+), Kaleidoscope (BAME), Disability and Wellness peer support network, Parents and Carers network.

We are an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

We value your privacy and we are committed to protecting your personal details.  If you choose to apply for this role, please do not include any sensitive data on your CV which reveals (directly or indirectly); your race or ethnic origins, your political, philosophical or religious opinions, or your membership of a trade union, your social security number, or information which relates to your health or sexual orientation or to any criminal convictions