Absence Manager

Fixed Temp Contract until 31st July 2026
Location: London
Hours: Full time, Monday - Friday, 40 hours a week
Pay: £50,000 pa

Join Our Team as an Absence Manager

Are you an experienced HR or Employee Relations professional with a proven track record in absence management? Do you have the drive, expertise, and influence to help transform attendance culture across a complex organisation? If so, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

At Wilson James, we are seeking an Absence Manager to lead a high-impact project focused on reducing absence and embedding sustainable improvements in attendance culture. Reporting directly to the HR Operations Director, this role will put you at the centre of driving change—supporting both the business and our people.

What you'll do:

• Take ownership of a targeted project to reduce absence across key sites and contracts.
• Analyse absence data, identify root causes, and design practical, effective interventions.
• Engage with senior leaders, HR Business Partners, and operational teams to influence change and ensure accountability.
• Drive compliance with absence processes, including return-to-work interviews and timely reporting.
• Act as a subject matter expert, providing advice on complex case management (without directly handling casework).
• Lead the development of clear, simple absence management processes—the “WJ Way.”
• Design and deliver training for line managers, equipping them to manage absence confidently and consistently.
• Report progress against KPIs, demonstrating measurable impact and ROI.
• Play a key role in shaping a culture of proactive wellbeing and attendance.

Why Join Us?

• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days
• Lifestyle Benefits – Mortgage and financial advice, vouchers for various shopping outlets and food stores, employee referral scheme. 
• Learning & Development – we actively encourage progression and offer various eLearning courses, progression, training whilst on site, apprenticeships, and in-house training courses.  
• Health and Wellbeing – Life assurance scheme, access to mental health support specialists
• Access to an Online GP for you and your dependents. 
• Financial support 
• Discounts on hundreds of retail sites
• Progression opportunities – many of our team go on to senior and site management roles
• A welcoming, respectful team culture
• Cycle to Work scheme

What we are looking for:

• Proven experience in absence/attendance management within a complex and diverse organisation.
• Strong HR/ER background with deep knowledge of employment law relating to absence, health, and disability.
• Exceptional coaching, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical ability, with confidence in using data to drive decisions.
• Excellent project management and time management capabilities.
• Discretion, resilience, and the confidence to challenge constructively.

Interested? Apply now and secure your future with us! 
Please be aware that, on occasion, we may close a vacancy earlier than the advertised deadline if we receive a high volume of strong applications

Wilson James is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. A criminal conviction will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining a position, however each case will be assessed on an individual basis. For information about Wilson James' commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, https://wilsonjames.co.uk/sustainability 
Wilson James have been raising standards in security, construction logistics, aviation services, and technology for over 30 years. With 5,000 employees and a presence across over 300 client sites all over the UK, we are dedicated to delivering tailored solutions and top-tier customer service. As a leading managed service provider, we prioritise safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Joining Wilson James offers the excitement of working with diverse, vibrant clients, making for a dynamic and engaging workplace.   

Internal Applicants
At Wilson James, we support career growth and offer internal mobility to help employees explore new roles and advance within the company. Committed to promoting from within, we provide clear career pathways and continuous skill development. Unlock your potential by applying for exciting internal opportunities and new challenge