HR & Admin Manager

Watkins Group; Ramsgate; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A family-run organization in construction and engineering is seeking an HR & Office Manager in Ramsgate. This role involves developing HR strategy, leading the HR team, and ensuring compliance across employee management processes. The ideal candidate will have strong generalist HR experience and a CIPD Level 5 qualification. This position offers competitive compensation and the chance to shape the organization's people strategy.

Benefits

Supportive working environment

Opportunity for professional development

Autonomy in improving processes

Qualifications

• Strong generalist HR experience with confidence in leading ER processes.
• Ability to improve HR processes and maintain compliance.
• Experience in managing teams and contributing to a positive workplace culture.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the HR & Admin team.
• Provide HR guidance to Directors and line managers.
• Oversee employee lifecycle processes including recruitment and onboarding.
• Manage HR systems and ensure compliance with relevant laws.
• Supervise administrative and support staff.

Skills

Generalist HR experience

Leadership in employee relations

Ability to build strong relationships

Calm decision-making

Education

CIPD Level 5 or higher

Job description

Location: Ramsgate Kent (with occasional travel)

Hours: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: Competitive, reflective of experience and leadership scope

We are a long-established, family-run Group operating across construction, engineering, and building services – proud of the culture we’ve built and the people at the heart of it. As we continue to grow, we are strengthening our HR & Group Services function with the appointment of a HR & Office Manager to take a lead role in shaping our people strategy, developing our culture, and supporting our teams across the Group.

This is a role for a confident, capable, and self‑directed HR leader who can balance strategic planning with hands‑on delivery. You will act as the primary HR lead for the organisation and will provide clear, fair and consistent HR guidance to Directors, managers, and employees. You will also line‑manage and develop the HR & Admin team, creating clarity, supporting capability, and shaping expectations.

• Lead, guide, and develop the HR & Admin team.
• Provide confident and professional HR advice to Directors and line managers.
• Align HR strategy and culture with organisational aims and values.
• Manage and improve HR systems, processes, and data reporting.
• Support organisational planning, role development, and workforce growth.

Employee Relations & Case Management

• Lead and conduct ER investigations for grievances, conduct matters, disciplinaries, and capability cases.
• Chair or support formal hearings, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance.
• Coach and develop managers to improve their confidence and capability in people management.
• Ensure decisions and documentation reflect legal standards and organisational values.

Operational HR Management

• Oversee employee lifecycle processes including recruitment, onboarding, induction, progression, and exit.
• Ensure HR compliance across employment law, contracting, working time, data protection and record‑keeping.
• Maintain HR systems integrity, reporting accuracy, and process efficiency.
• Lead employee wellbeing and engagement initiatives that feel real, not performative.

Office, Admin, Fleet & Facilities Oversight

• Supervise administrative and support staff to ensure a consistently high standard of service across sites.
• Oversee office environment standards, workspace coordination and general facilities support.
• Maintain effective oversight of fleet operations and associated administration.
• Ensure organisational coordination is smooth, practical, and well‑communicated.

About You

You are someone who:

• Has strong generalist HR experience (CIPD Level 5+ desirable)
• Is confident leading formal ER processes independently
• Can provide calm, balanced judgement even in busy or complex situations
• Understands how to build strong, respectful, and effective working relationships
• Confident in your judgement
• Comfortable acting as the principal HR lead, and able to provide calm, consistent leadership in a standalone or lightly supported capacity.
• Leads with clarity, consistency, and fairness
• Likes structure, follow‑through, and improving the way things work
• Is comfortable being the steady HR voice in the room

What We Offer

• A supportive, people‑first working environment
• The opportunity to genuinely shape culture and process, not just maintain it
• Autonomy to improve and develop how the Group operates
• Commitment to professional development and career growth
• Being part of a genuinely collaborative and family‑led organisation
• A respected and valued HR leadership position with genuine autonomy

Registered/Head office address
Watkins Plumbing Ltd
Watkins House
Leigh Road
Haine Business Park
Ramsgate
Kent CT12 5EU