HR Manager - 35 hour week

HR Manager - 35 hour week - County Antrim - £40,000-£45,000 - Permanent

MCS Group is working exclusively with an established engineering organisation to appoint an HR Manager based in County Antrim.

This standalone position offers the opportunity to take ownership of the HR function, supporting a multi-site business across the UK and Ireland. Working directly with senior leadership, you will provide practical advice on everyday people matters while developing initiatives that strengthen recruitment, retention and career development.

The role would suit an experienced HR Manager who enjoys a varied generalist remit, or an accomplished HR Advisor ready to step into their first standalone management position.

The role

You will oversee the full employee lifecycle, combining hands-on operational support with responsibility for setting and delivering the organisation's HR priorities.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing end-to-end recruitment, including job descriptions, advertising, proactive sourcing, selection and agency relationships.
• Advising managers on employee relations, HR policies, performance management and absence.
• Overseeing onboarding, inductions, employment contracts and probation reviews.
• Providing guidance on annual leave, pensions, benefits and other employee queries.
• Coordinating vetting, employment compliance and visa-related processes where required.
• Supporting succession planning and creating career pathways.
• Developing relationships with universities and colleges to build future talent pipelines.
• Strengthening the employee value proposition and supporting employer branding.
• Maintaining HR policies, documentation and records across NI, ROI and GB.
• Producing monthly HR board reports and working with senior leaders to agree short-, medium- and long-term people priorities.

About you

You will bring broad generalist HR experience and the confidence to work independently, build effective relationships and provide clear, balanced advice.

You should demonstrate:

• Experience as an HR Manager, or substantial HR Advisor experience with the capability to step up.
• Hands-on recruitment experience, including proactive sourcing and managing recruitment partners.
• Strong employee relations knowledge and practical judgement.
• The ability to influence stakeholders and constructively challenge when needed.
• Strong organisational skills and the flexibility to balance operational administration with longer-term projects.
• An awareness of employment requirements across UK and Irish jurisdictions.

CIPD Level 5 or above is desirable, although relevant practical experience will also be considered. Previous standalone HR experience would be advantageous. Applications are welcome from candidates across all sectors.

The package

• £40,000-£45,000 salary, depending on experience.
• 35-hour working week, Monday to Friday, 9am-4.30pm.
• Hybrid working typically available following successful completion of the six-month probationary period, with three days in the office and two working from home.
• 31 days' annual leave, including public holidays.
• Additional paid Christmas closure, typically around five days, without deduction from annual leave.
• Pension scheme with a 4% employer contribution alongside a 4% employee contribution.
• Paid annual professional membership, such as CIPD.

The role will initially be office-based. Travel to Dublin is required once a month, typically for one to two days, with travel and overnight accommodation paid.

For a confidential discussion, contact Ryan Calvert, Head of HR recruitment at MCS Group or apply with an up-to-date CV.

Further information about the employer will be shared during a confidential discussion.

MCS Group - CIPD NI Headline Sponsor 2026