HR Manager

Human Resources Manager

Location: Holton Heath, Poole
Department: Human Resources
Reports To: Operations Director

About Sentinel

Sentinel is a market-leading provider of field-based services dedicated to supporting the housing sector with high-quality safety and care solutions. We specialise in the installation, maintenance and repair of critical life-safety systems — including fire detection and protection, active security systems such as access control and intruder alarms, emergency lighting, and technology-enabled care solutions that help keep residents safe, supported and connected.

At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to safety, reliability and customer care. Our highly trained, multi-skilled engineering teams work closely with housing providers, local authorities and care organisations to deliver tailored solutions and responsive support across England, whether through routine planned maintenance, compliance-focused testing, or emergency response services.

We’re proud to be one of the fastest-growing providers in our sector. Sentinel has established a strong reputation for technical excellence, professionalism and innovation — staying ahead of evolving technologies and industry standards to ensure our clients get the best possible service.

Our culture is built on collaboration, continuous development and a genuine passion for doing work that matters. As a national team with diverse skills and a shared purpose, we support each other to deliver outstanding results every day and to make a real impact in the communities we serve.

Due to our continued growth, we are now looking for a Human Resources Manager to join our team.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Human Resources Manager to establish and lead the HR function within Sentinel. This is a standalone role responsible for delivering both strategic and day-to-day HR support across the business.

The successful candidate will work closely with leadership and managers to develop effective people processes, support employee engagement, ensure compliance with employment legislation, and help build a positive company culture.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys being hands-on, building HR foundations, and supporting a growing organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations & HR Support

• Act as the first point of contact for all HR-related matters across the business.
• Provide guidance and support to managers on employee relations issues including disciplinaries, grievances, absence management, and performance concerns with the support of the HR Director.
• Ensure HR policies and procedures are applied fairly and consistently.

Recruitment & Onboarding

• Manage and coordinate recruitment activity across the business.
• Support hiring managers with job descriptions, interviews, and candidate selection.
• Develop and improve onboarding processes to ensure a positive new starter experience.
• Ensuring employee onboarding and offboarding is coordinated and runs smoothly.

Policies, Compliance & Administration

• Develop, maintain, and update HR policies, procedures, and employee documentation.
• Ensure compliance with UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Maintain accurate employee records. Be a gold standard user on our HR platform, PeopleHR.
• Support payroll administration and employee benefits processes where required.

Performance & Development

• Support managers with performance management and employee development activities.
• Assist in identifying training needs and coordinate learning and development initiatives.
• Help foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.

Culture & Employee Engagement

• Promote a positive and inclusive working environment.
• Support employee wellbeing initiatives and engagement activities.
• Work with leadership to strengthen company culture and communication.

HR Projects & Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve HR processes and systems.
• Assist with organisational change initiatives and business growth planning.
• Produce basic HR reports and people metrics for leadership review.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in a HR Manager, Senior HR Advisor, or similar generalist HR role.
• Strong understanding of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Experience handling employee relations matters independently.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships across all levels of the business.
• Organised, pragmatic, and able to work independently.
• Comfortable operating in a hands-on standalone HR role.
• CIPD Level 5 qualification preferred.

Desirable

• Experience working within a growing SME environment.
• Experience implementing HR processes or systems from scratch.
• Recruitment and talent acquisition experience.
• Familiarity with HRIS/payroll systems.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunity to shape and develop the HR function
• Supportive and collaborative working environment
• Career development opportunities
• Flexible/hybrid working options where applicable

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Sentinel is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated fairly and with respect. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

Pay: £45,000.00-£50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Company events
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free parking
• On-site gym
• On-site parking
• Private medical insurance
• Referral programme
• Transport links

Work Location: In person