CASE STUDY: Replacing External HR Support with a Flexible, High-Calibre In-House Hire
How 9-2-3 Jobs helped a growing business cut costs and enhance HR capability by hiring a part-time HR Manager

The Challenge

A growing Oxfordshire-based business was relying on an external HR consultancy for support with recruitment, compliance, and day-to-day people matters. While the consultancy was competent, it was expensive and lacked the continuity, cultural alignment, and proactive support the business was beginning to need.

The leadership team wanted an experienced HR professional who could integrate into the team, support recruitment, and provide strategic and operational HR guidance. However, the company only needed this support for about two days per week, and didn’t think they could attract top-tier talent on a part-time basis.

The 9-2-3 Jobs Solution

We helped the business rethink what was possible. After a detailed briefing, we introduced an MCIPD-qualified HR Manager with over 20 years of experience across publishing, SaaS, education, and advanced technology sectors. She had recently been made redundant and was looking for a flexible, part-time role to fit around her life.

Her expertise was ideal. She had:

Led full-cycle recruitment and onboarding across technical and commercial teams
Developed employee handbooks and ensured HR compliance in regulated environments
Designed and delivered management development programmes
Managed HR through periods of fast growth, M&A, and international expansion

The Role

We placed her as HR Manager for 15 hours per week on a £35k FTE salary, working mostly from the office with flexibility built in. Her remit included:

Running recruitment campaigns and improving onboarding
Refreshing policies and updating the staff handbook
Supporting managers with people issues and performance
Advising on HR risks and employment law
Fostering a positive, inclusive workplace culture

The Result

Immediate cost savings and a more responsive HR service:

Saved over £10,000 annually compared to outsourced HR support
Gained a senior-level HR presence in the office who understands the team and business
Improved speed and quality of recruitment and onboarding
Enhanced employee engagement and support for line managers
Flexible working arrangement that suits both the business and the HR Manager

And our fee was more affordable that you might think too, as it was pro-rated (like the salary). If you’re a business looking to explore the benefits of hiring part time employees, then drop us a line - we’d love to see if we can help.