HR Manager

Job Purpose: To support the Upperdog team by leading and managing HR operations, ensuring smooth processes, employee development (both the wider team and line managers), and compliance, while fostering a positive workplace environment.

Due to continuous growth, Upperdog is looking for a driven and organised HR Manager to join our team. If after reading this job description it sounds like the ideal role for you, please email us with an introductory email and a copy of your CV.

Job Summary: As an HR Manager, you will play a key role in driving Upperdog's HR function, supporting recruitment, onboarding, training, and employee engagement. You'll be responsible for managing our HR system, overseeing team development plans, and ensuring all HR policies and processes are up-to-date and effective. While HR is the primary focus, the role will also include occasional office management tasks to maintain an organised and welcoming workplace.

Hours: Part-time or full time. This role requires being able to work from our central office in Bournemouth on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Responsibilities

HR Management

· Recruitment, Onboarding and Offboarding:

• Manage the hiring process, including posting job ads, screening candidates, and onboarding new team members.

· HR System Administration:

• Use our HR tool to schedule and track 1-1s, monitor objectives, and document performance reviews.
• Set up notifications for employees and managers to prepare for 1-1s and ensure agendas are shared in advance.
• Maintain accurate records of employee feedback, training, and progress.
• Handle general HR administration tasks

· Training and Development:

• Create and manage an annual training programme for all team members.
• Develop and maintain a skills matrix and career progression framework for roles (basic/intermediate/advanced).
• Research and recommend training platforms (e.g., Udemy, eConsultancy, Coursera).
• Monitor and evaluate training outcomes to ensure continuous development.
• Collaborate with management to set and manage the annual training budget.

· Policies and Processes:

• Update and implement HR policies and ensure compliance with employment regulations.
• Assist managers with salary reviews, utilising performance data and pay rise budgeting tools.
• Coach and empower line managers on HR practices.
• Provide HR advice and support to the business/employees across all HR topics including absence management, disciplinaries and grievances.

· Employee Engagement:

• Oversee 360-degree feedback and collate responses for team evaluations.
• Support managers in setting team objectives and tracking progress.
• Join formal 1-1 meetings and take notes and manage actions.

Office Management

• Ensure the office remains organised and welcoming for visitors.
• Occasionally support administrative tasks, such as coordinating team events and answering the phone.

Additional remit - not a must-have

Accounts

• Updating and maintaining company's financial records and reporting to the founder
• Payroll and VAT returns
• Manage and approve employee expenses

Essential Skills and Experience

• Previous HR experience, ideally within a digital agency or fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in managing HR tools or systems, such as Lattice, People HR or similar platforms.
• Knowledge of UK employment law and HR compliance practices.
• Strong understanding of recruitment processes, including hiring for creative or technical roles.
• Proven experience in organising and managing training programmes, skills matrixes, or progression frameworks.
• Exceptional organisational and multitasking skills to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Background in managing employee engagement initiatives, such as performance reviews, 1-1s, and team development plans.
• Exposure to compensation reviews, salary benchmarking, and reward strategies.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to work collaboratively with different teams.
• High attention to detail, especially when handling sensitive HR documentation and data.

Personal Attributes

• Proactive, self-motivated, and driven to improve HR processes.
• Friendly but firm, professional, and approachable.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Adaptable and capable of managing multiple priorities.

What benefits can Upperdog offer you?

• 30 days' holiday plus Bank Holidays.
• Monthly team lunches.
• Quarterly team-building activities.
• Private medical insurance.
• Parking or gym membership contribution.
• Pension scheme.
• A great office location near Bournemouth's gardens and beach.

Salary: Dependent on candidate experience.

Application Process

First stage interview – A short Teams call to learn more about you and your experience while providing details about the role.

Second stage interview – An in-person interview at Upperdog HQ in Bournemouth, involving a more in-depth discussion and scenario-based questions to understand how you approach and resolve specific HR situations.

For more information and to ensure your details reach the correct person, please submit a copy of your CV and a cover letter. You will hear back within 7 days to confirm if we'd like to invite you to interview. Please no recruitment agencies.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Application question(s):

• Do you live in Dorset and can travel to Bournemouth (BH2 5BD) twice a week for this job?
• Do you have experience in a HR position at a marketing agency? (Not a dealer breaker)

Experience:

• HR: 3 years (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Bournemouth BH2 5BD