HR Systems & Payroll Implementation Specialist
Greater Manchester
6-month fixed-term contract
£60,000 - £70,000 per annum

Macmillan Davies is supporting a business with the appointment of an HR Systems & Payroll Implementation specialist to lead the introduction of a new HR system and bring an outsourced payroll function in-house.

Working closely with HR and wider business stakeholders, you'll assess requirements, help select an appropriate solution and manage implementation. Ease of use, reporting capability and a positive employee experience will be central to the project.

The role

• Review existing HR systems, payroll arrangements and processes to establish business requirements.

• Support the evaluation and selection of a suitable HRIS.

• Lead implementation, including project planning, configuration, data migration, testing and rollout.

• Manage the transition from outsourced payroll to an in-house function, establishing clear processes and responsibilities.

• Work with stakeholders and suppliers to ensure the HR system and payroll arrangements work effectively together.

• Develop reporting that provides accurate, accessible people data.

• Support users through training, guidance and clear communication.

• Ensure a thorough handover so the team can confidently manage the systems and processes going forward.

About you

You'll bring proven experience of HR systems implementation and payroll transition projects in a SME environment, with the ability to take a project from initial scoping through to delivery.

You'll combine strong project management skills with a practical understanding of HR processes, payroll requirements and data accuracy.

You'll need:

• Experience implementing an HRIS, including requirements gathering, data migration, testing and user adoption.

• Experience bringing payroll in-house or leading a comparable payroll implementation or transition.

• A sound understanding of UK payroll requirements and controls.

• Strong stakeholder management skills and the confidence to work with external providers.

• The ability to translate business needs into straightforward, effective processes.

• A hands-on approach and the ability to deliver within a six-month assignment.

Experience of system selection and developing HR reporting would be particularly valuable.

Please apply to Leanne Boddy at Macmillan Davies via the advert to ensure your application is reviewed and you receive updates throughout the process.

L&D Manager
Greater Manchester (On-site)
Permanent
£50,000 - £60,000 per annum

Are you an experienced L&D professional who enjoys building something from the ground up? Can you combine a practical, hands-on approach with the credibility to influence leaders and bring people with you?

Macmillan Davies is partnering with a fast-paced business to recruit an L&D Manager. This is an opportunity to establish its learning and development approach, with a particular focus on strengthening leadership and management capability.

You'll take ownership of the full L&D lifecycle, getting close to the business to understand its priorities and designing practical learning solutions that make a measurable difference.

The role

• Build relationships across the business to understand learning needs and identify priorities.

• Develop an L&D plan that supports business objectives and employee development.

• Design and deliver leadership and management development programmes.

• Take ownership of learning needs analysis, programme design, delivery and evaluation.

• Coach and support managers, helping them build confidence and capability.

• Explore opportunities to maximise the apprenticeship levy and work with appropriate training providers.

• Evaluate the impact of learning, adapting programmes to improve outcomes.

About you

You'll be an experienced L&D professional with a strong track record in leadership and management development. You may have established an L&D function or introduced new programmes within a business where learning was still developing.

Inquisitive and pragmatic, you'll take time to understand how the business works. You'll be comfortable getting into the detail, delivering learning yourself and building trust before introducing change.

You'll bring:

• Experience across the full L&D lifecycle.

• Strong facilitation, programme design and delivery skills.

• The credibility to influence stakeholders at different levels.

• Experience in a fast-paced, operational environment.

• A flexible approach and the confidence to try new ideas.

• Ideally, experience of using the apprenticeship levy.

This role offers the opportunity to shape a new function, develop leadership capability and see the impact of your work across the business.

Please apply to Leanne Boddy at Macmillan Davies, via the advert to ensure your application is reviewed and you receive updates throughout the process.

Finchley, London | £400 per day | Immediate Start

An exciting opportunity for a highly experienced Executive Assistant to provide dedicated support to an EVP for International Operating Markets within a leading global business.

This is a fast-paced role requiring exceptional organisational skills, professionalism and the ability to manage competing priorities with discretion and confidence.

Key responsibilities and requirements:

• Extensive senior-level Executive Assistant experience.

• Exceptional diary management and complex travel coordination.

• Handling highly confidential information with discretion.

• Strong technology skills and confidence using digital tools.

• A polished, proactive and professional approach.

Working pattern: Based at the company's Finchley headquarters, with on-site attendance required whenever the EVP is in the office, averaging approximately three days per week.

Start date: Immediate

Rate:£400 per day

London | Hybrid - 3 days in the office

An exciting opportunity for an experienced Executive Assistant to support a Senior Vice President within a fast-paced, high-profile global business.

Working as part of a strong, collaborative team, you'll provide proactive, high-quality executive support, ensuring priorities are managed effectively and day-to-day operations run smoothly.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing complex diaries, meetings, travel arrangements and expenses.

• Building strong relationships with senior stakeholders across the business.

• Applying commercial awareness and sound judgement to support business priorities.

• Coordinating competing demands with exceptional organisation and attention to detail.

• Working collaboratively within a high-performing team to deliver seamless executive support.

About you:

You'll be a confident, highly organised Executive Assistant with excellent stakeholder management skills, strong commercial acumen and proven experience managing expenses. Discreet, proactive and adaptable, you'll thrive in a dynamic environment where collaboration, initiative and attention to detail are key.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a supportive team and work closely with senior leadership in an international business.

HR Business Partner, Hybrid, Greater Manchester, £53,000 Per Annum, Permanent

Macmillan Davies is proud to be partnering with an extremely well-established organisation within the housing sector, seeking a well-experienced HR Business Partner. This role will support with strategic people initiatives, drive organisational change and provide expert HR advice across designated business areas.

Main duties will include:

• Partnering with senior leaders and operational managers to deliver people strategies aligned with wider organisational objectives.
• Leading strategic workforce planning to address business priorities, improve performance and support future workforce requirements.
• Providing expert advice on employee relations, employment legislation, TUPE and HR best practice.
• Leading and implementing HR change initiatives, organisational development projects and cultural transformation.
• Coaching and developing managers to strengthen leadership capability and improve people management practices.
• Using workforce data and insights to influence decision-making and deliver measurable outcomes.
• Building effective relationships with senior stakeholders, employee representatives and internal teams.
• Identifying opportunities to enhance HR service delivery, organisational effectiveness and employee experience.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Chartered CIPD membership or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• Proven experience as a strategic HR Business Partner within a fast-paced, evolving organisation.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law, employee relations and TUPE.
• Experience in organisational change, cultural transformation and strategic workforce planning.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills, with the confidence to challenge and advise senior leaders.
• A proven track record of coaching managers and enhancing management capability.
• Experience using people data and analytics to inform strategic decisions.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver complex HR solutions effectively.

This is a truly fantastic opportunity for an experienced HR Business Partner to join an established organisation in the housing sector and playing a key role in shaping people strategy, supporting organisational transformation and improving leadership capability. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence strategic decisions, develop effective working relationships across the business and contribute to long-term organisational improvements.

This role comes with the prospect of making a real impact, influencing strategic people initiatives and contributing to meaningful organisational change. Apply now or contact Amy Mottershead for a confidential conversation.

Senior HR Advisor - Fixed-Term Contract

Macmillan Davies is delighted to be partnering with a fast-paced, high-growth luxury brand to recruit a Senior HR Advisor on a fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave in South Oxfordshire.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced HR professional to make an immediate impact, working closely with the CPO and wider HR team to deliver the people strategy, provide effective business partnering and ensure smooth day-to-day HR operations.

We are seeking a commercially minded, hands-on HR generalist who can hit the ground running and work collaboratively with the HR Operations Lead, who oversees HR processes, systems and compliance.

The Role

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing pragmatic, commercially focused HR advice to line managers and senior leaders.
• Building strong stakeholder relationships and constructively challenging where appropriate.
• Coaching managers on performance, conduct and absence management.
• Managing complex employee relations cases, ensuring fair outcomes and effective risk management.
• Supporting performance management, talent reviews and wider people processes.
• Advising on organisational design, restructuring, workforce planning and capability requirements.
• Supporting recruitment for key roles, onboarding and retention initiatives.
• Contributing to employee engagement, leadership development and manager training.
• Working with the HR Operations Lead to maintain effective HR processes, policies and compliance.
• Supporting global mobility and visa processes as required.
• Producing people reports and insights for the CPO and Board.

About You

You will ideally have:

• CIPD Level 5 or above, or equivalent experience.
• Experience at Senior HR Advisor or HR Business Partner level.
• Strong generalist HR and employee relations expertise.
• Commercial acumen and the ability to align people decisions with business objectives.
• Confidence influencing and constructively challenging senior stakeholders.
• Sound judgement and a pragmatic approach to complex HR matters.
• Experience in a lean, fast-paced HR environment.
• A proactive, resilient and solutions-focused mindset.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

What's on Offer?

• 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Three additional paid days off in December for the HQ shutdown.
• Free daily on-site lunch.
• Private healthcare.
• Life assurance at three times annual salary.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
• The opportunity to join a growing luxury brand in a varied, commercially focused HR role.

HR Advisor / People Advisor - Permanent

City of London | £45,000-£50,000 + Discretionary Bonus + Excellent Benefits | Hybrid Working

Macmillan Davies is delighted to be partnering with a highly regarded London law firm to recruit a permanent HR Advisor / People Advisor to join its established People & Culture team.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an HR professional looking to develop their career within a friendly, collaborative and supportive environment.

The organisation offers a particularly attractive benefits package, including a discretionary bonus, healthcare benefits and a range of additional employee benefits, alongside hybrid working with typically 2-3 days per week in the office.

The role

Working closely with the Senior People Business Partners, you'll provide a broad range of generalist HR advice and operational support, building strong relationships with managers and employees across the organisation.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing day-to-day HR advice and guidance to managers and employees.
• Supporting employee relations matters, including investigations, absence management, performance and other workplace issues.
• Advising on HR policies, procedures and employment-related matters.
• Supporting employee lifecycle activities, including onboarding, probation reviews, flexible working requests and exit interviews.
• Contributing to annual HR processes, including performance reviews, reward, promotion and employee engagement.
• Using HR systems and people data to support reporting and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Working collaboratively with the wider People & Culture team on HR projects and initiatives.

About you

We're looking for someone who is approachable, confident, organised and genuinely enjoys working with people.

You'll ideally bring:

• Experience in a generalist HR role, either at Advisor level or as an HR professional ready to take the next step.
• Some practical exposure to employee relations matters and a sound understanding of UK employment law.
• Experience working within a structured organisation with established HR policies and processes.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A proactive, collaborative and pragmatic approach, together with a genuine desire to develop professionally.

Previous experience within a law firm is not essential. Candidates from professional services, financial services, insurance and other commercial environments are equally encouraged to apply.

A CIPD qualification, or working towards one, would be welcomed.

What's on offer?

• Permanent position with a salary of £45,000-£50,000.
• Discretionary bonus.
• Healthcare benefits and an excellent wider benefits package.
• 25 days' annual leave.
• Hybrid working - typically 2-3 days per week in the City of London office.
• A supportive People & Culture team with opportunities for learning and professional development.
• The chance to build your HR career within a highly respected and progressive organisation.

Interested?

If you're an HR Advisor looking for your next permanent opportunity, or an experienced HR professional ready to take the next step, we'd love to hear from you.

Please apply with your CV or contact Macmillan Davies for a confidential conversation.

We're also recruiting for a 12-month fixed-term HR Advisor opportunity with the same organisation. If you're open to contract opportunities, please feel free to get in touch to discuss both roles.

People Advisor / HR Advisor - 12-Month FTC

London (City) | £45,000-£50,000 + Discretionary Bonus + Excellent Benefits | Hybrid Working (2-3 Days in Office)

Macmillan Davies is delighted to be partnering with a highly regarded London law firm to recruit a People Advisor / HR Advisor on a 12-month fixed-term contract.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a friendly, collaborative and well-established People & Culture team within a respected professional services organisation.

Alongside a competitive salary, the firm offers a particularly attractive benefits package, including a discretionary bonus, healthcare provision and a range of additional benefits, making this an appealing opportunity for someone seeking their next HR role.

The role

Working closely with the Senior People Business Partners, you'll provide a broad range of generalist HR advice and operational support, building strong relationships with managers and employees across the organisation.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing practical, day-to-day HR advice to managers and employees on policies, procedures and people matters.
• Supporting employee relations cases, including investigations, meetings, documentation and case management.
• Advising on absence management, family-related leave, flexible working and performance matters.
• Supporting key employee lifecycle activities, including onboarding, probation reviews, exit interviews and employee engagement.
• Contributing to annual HR processes, including performance reviews, reward and promotion cycles.
• Using HR data and insights to identify trends and support improvements.
• Working collaboratively with the wider People & Culture team on HR projects, process improvements and initiatives.

About you

We're looking for a confident, proactive and approachable HR professional who enjoys working in a collaborative environment.

You'll ideally bring:

• Previous experience in a generalist HR Advisor or People Advisor role, with exposure to employee relations.
• A sound understanding of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Experience working within a structured organisation, with established HR policies and processes.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to build relationships at all levels.
• Good organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Experience using HR systems and working with people data.
• A collaborative, professional and pragmatic approach, with a genuine interest in developing your HR career.

Experience within legal, professional or financial services would be advantageous, but is not essential. We're equally interested in candidates from other commercial or regulated environments who can demonstrate the right experience, approach and cultural fit.

Studying towards, or holding, a CIPD qualification would be welcomed.

What's on offer?

• Competitive salary of £45,000-£50,000, with some flexibility depending on experience.
• Discretionary bonus.
• Healthcare benefits.
• An excellent wider employee benefits package.
• 25 days' annual leave.
• Hybrid working, typically 2-3 days per week in the London office.
• A supportive, inclusive People & Culture team.
• The opportunity to gain exposure to a broad range of HR activities within a respected professional environment.

This is a 12-month fixed-term contract covering maternity leave, with an ideal start date as soon as possible.

Interested?

If you're an HR Advisor or People Advisor looking for your next opportunity, we'd love to hear from you.

Head of Learning & Development
Manchester
Permanent
c£60,000-£70,000

Build confident managers. Shape learning that makes a difference.

Macmillan Davies is partnering with a fast-paced, commercial business to recruit a Head of Learning & Development.

This is an opportunity to take ownership of the full L&D lifecycle and shape and improve the learning offering across the business. A particular priority will be strengthening management capability, equipping managers with the confidence and practical skills to lead their teams effectively.

Combining strategic thinking with hands-on design and delivery, you'll work closely with leaders and managers to understand business priorities, diagnose development needs and build learning that makes a measurable difference.

The role

• Review the current L&D offering, identifying what works, where the gaps are and what needs to change.

• Design and deliver management development programmes that strengthen capability and improve performance.

• Partner with stakeholders across the business to understand challenges and translate them into practical learning solutions.

• Improve induction and onboarding, helping new colleagues settle in and become effective in their roles.

• Own the learning cycle from needs analysis through to design, delivery and evaluation.

• Ensure the L&D offering evolves with the needs of the business.

About you

You'll bring strong L&D experience within a fast-paced, commercial environment, with a proven track record of designing and delivering management development programmes.

You'll be comfortable getting close to the business, asking questions and challenging existing approaches. Confident facilitating learning yourself, you'll combine creative design skills with a practical understanding of how to turn learning into changes in behaviour and performance.

This role will suit someone who enjoys both shaping the direction of L&D and rolling up their sleeves to make it happen.

Please apply to Leanne Boddy at Macmillan Davies via this advert to ensure your CV is reviewed and you receive updates on your application.

People Advisor

12-months Fixed Term Contract

Potential to become permanent

Manchester | Hybrid (2 days onsite)

Macmillan Davies is delighted to be supporting a fantastic organisation with the recruitment of a People Advisor to join an established and collaborative People team.

This is a brilliant opportunity for an experienced HR/People Advisor who enjoys being the go-to person for managers, providing practical, commercially focused advice across a broad range of people matters.

You'll be joining a supportive wider People function, with a People Operations team managing the initial transactional queries, allowing you to focus on providing advice, guidance and coaching to managers.

The role

As People Advisor, you'll be a key point of contact for managers across the organisation, supporting with a varied range of queries including:

• Employee relations, particularly sickness absence, occupational health, flexible working and performance management

• Advising and coaching managers through people issues, ensuring they feel confident managing situations effectively

• Supporting disciplinary and grievance matters when required

• Pay queries, salary benchmarking and wider reward-related questions

• Interpreting and applying HR policies and employment legislation

• Working closely with colleagues across the wider People team to provide a consistent and high-quality service

• Identifying trends and opportunities to improve the employee and manager experience

Formal disciplinary and grievance caseloads aren't particularly high, but you'll need a good grounding in ER and employment law and the confidence to advise managers when more complex situations arise.

What we're looking for

We're looking for someone with previous experience at HR Advisor / People Advisor level who is confident managing their own caseload and building strong relationships with managers.

You'll need to be approachable, pragmatic and comfortable providing advice across a broad generalist HR remit. Just as importantly, you'll be someone who enjoys working as part of a genuinely supportive and collaborative People team.

This could also be a great opportunity for someone looking to develop their experience within a larger People function and gain exposure to a broad range of HR activity.

What's on offer?

You'll be joining a welcoming People team within an organisation offering a modern, high-spec working environment and a genuinely collaborative culture.

The role is initially offered as a 12-month FTC, with the possibility of becoming permanent longer term, and offers hybrid working along with a list of people focused benefits including 25 days holiday +bank holidays and generous employer pension contribution

If you're an experienced People/HR Advisor looking for a broad role where you can build strong relationships with managers while being surrounded by an experienced People team, I'd love to hear from you.

Apply now or contact Sam Pepperell at Macmillan Davies for a confidential conversation.