HR Programmes Manager (FTC - Maternity Cover)

Location: Newtownabbey (Hybrid)
Contract: Fixed Term (Maternity Cover)
Hours: 4 days per week (Mon-Thurs, 34 hours) or full-time depending on candidate preference

About the Organisation

Our client is a large, well-established employer in Northern Ireland, operating across multiple commercial sectors and recognised for its strong people-first culture. With a sizeable workforce and a highly professional Group HR function, the organisation is known for investing in its people, processes, and workplace experience.
You'll join a forward-thinking HR team that plays a major role in shaping and delivering a people strategy aligned to organisational growth, transformation, and continuous improvement.

The Opportunity

We're seeking an experienced People Programmes Manager to join the Group HR team on a Fixed-Term Contract to cover a period of maternity leave.
This is a strategic, project-focused role where you'll partner closely with senior stakeholders to design, deliver and enhance a range of people initiatives aimed at improving the colleague experience and supporting business performance.
You'll take a lead on programmes in areas including:

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  Talent management
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  Reward
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  Employee relations
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  Engagement and employee voice
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  Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)
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  People analytics and digital systems
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  HR transformation and organisational change

It's an exciting opportunity for a skilled HR professional who enjoys variety, autonomy, and working in a complex, multi-site environment.

Key Responsibilities

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  Lead and deliver people programmes and HR projects from design through to evaluation.
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  Work with leaders to identify opportunities that improve the employee experience across the lifecycle.
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  Support and deliver initiatives across talent, reward, ER, engagement, EDI and policy development.
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  Support the implementation and enhancement of digital HR systems and analytics tools.
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  Collaborate with internal colleagues and external partners to ensure alignment and value.
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  Contribute to organisational design and wider change initiatives.
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  Lead engagement and pulse surveys, analyse insights and support action planning.
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  Provide expert advice on ER matters, including organisational change and TUPE when required.

About You

You bring a track record of delivering people-related projects and the confidence to influence at a senior level. You're an organised, forward-thinking HR professional who enjoys driving continuous improvement and developing solutions that balance both people and business needs.

Essential Criteria

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  Degree or equivalent in HR, Business or a related field.
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  Proven experience delivering HR/People programmes or projects.
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  Expertise in at least two areas such as Talent, Reward, ER, EDI or Change Management.
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  Strong understanding of UK employment law.
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  Excellent stakeholder management, communication and planning capability.
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  Confident using HR systems and data to support decision-making.

Desirable Criteria

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  CIPD Chartered (or progressing towards).
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  Experience in a unionised environment.
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  Exposure to HR transformation or digital HR systems (e.g. Workday, SAP SuccessFactors).
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  Formal project management qualification.
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  Background in a fast-paced commercial sector (e.g. retail or FMCG).

Why Apply?

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  High-impact role influencing people strategy across a large organisation.
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  Flexible working (4-day week or full-time).
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  Supportive, values-led culture with a strong emphasis on employee wellbeing.
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  Competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.
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  Opportunity to lead meaningful people initiatives and develop professionally.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted to emma.hall@vanrath.com.
If you'd like a confidential discussion before applying, please contact Emma on 02890330250.