HR Director

HR Director

Stockton-on-Tees Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead HR solutions and support client acquisition while managing a portfolio of SME clients.
  • Company: Join an award-winning team of People Directors making a real impact across the UK.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible work-life balance, continuous professional development, and a supportive team culture.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic community that values innovation, collaboration, and personal growth.
  • Qualifications: Proven HR experience, ideally CIPD Level 7, with strong leadership and relationship-building skills.
  • Other info: Some remote work is possible; proximity to Yorkshire areas preferred.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Commercial, dynamic, energetic, creative, curious, pragmatic, influential, inspiring, empathetic. Do these words describe you? If yes, then this is a fantastic opportunity to join and collaborate with like-minded HR Director superstars in the People Puzzles community.

Our Yorkshire team is now looking to add a new member. Ideally based in York or Harrogate, you will be well positioned to work with clients in Teesside (Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough, and Darlington), and south towards Leeds, Hull, and the surrounding areas.

You are a successful CPO/People/HR Director passionate about helping businesses unlock their potential through impactful people solutions. You might be seeking an alternative to corporate life, eager to work with SME businesses and entrepreneurial leaders. You possess strong HR expertise, coupled with a deep understanding of business strategy and its integration with People strategies. You may desire more control over your work life, have some consulting experience, and are looking to deepen your engagement. You thrive on collaboration and wish to be part of a network of like-minded People Directors supporting each other and SME owners. You excel at building trusting relationships at all levels, influencing at board level, and maintaining excellent stakeholder management skills. You often exceed expectations and aim to impress. Seeking a flexible work-life balance with good earning potential, you want autonomy and the support of a thriving national company to achieve your goals. You enjoy fast-paced environments, discovering innovative solutions, and engaging everyone in the process. Essentially, you're a catalyst for action, leveraging your intelligence, charisma, and energy to get things done.

We are a team of dedicated people experts and a prestigious, award-winning leader in the People Director space across the UK. Our mission is to deliver strategic HR services and transformative people solutions that make a real difference in the lives of SMEs. With nearly 90 Portfolio People Directors and over 200 clients, our impact is significant—and we’re expanding!

Main Responsibilities:

  • Lead the delivery of HR solutions, including business and strategic HR planning, culture change, transformation, change management, leadership development, organisational design, D&I, wellbeing, L&D, and Talent Management.
  • Manage your portfolio of clients, working collaboratively with the team to ensure first-class HR service delivery.
  • Support client acquisition efforts in partnership with the Regional Director and marketing team.

Skills & Experience:

  • Proven experience contributing to business strategy and partnering with Boards and senior executives.
  • Senior-level experience (permanent or consulting) within corporate, SME, or investor-backed environments.
  • Ideally CIPD Level 7 qualification or equivalent.
  • A natural people person with leadership skills and relationship-building capabilities.
  • Ability to connect with and influence SME business owners.
  • Organised, dependable, embracing technology and innovative work methods.
  • Business-minded, strategic, pragmatic, and hands-on when needed.
  • Excellent listener and questioner, committed to adding value daily.

Benefits:

  • We emphasize a 'Team' culture, attracting individuals eager to contribute to our local and national teams.
  • Our community of People Directors offers support and shared learning. Strategic partnerships further enhance our services.
  • Continuous professional development (CPD) is prioritized, with tailored offerings to foster innovation and growth.
  • Our core values—win/win, passion, continuous learning, and pragmatism—are central to our culture. We seek individuals aligned with these values.
  • Our creative marketing team generates opportunities, allowing you to focus on client results.
  • Our sales team handles client acquisition, but your support and effort will increase your success.
  • This role is ideal for an experienced professional or consultant capable of delivering high-quality HR services to SMEs in South Yorkshire. Some remote work is possible, but most client engagements are onsite, so proximity to the listed areas is preferred.
  • Shortlisted candidates will undergo behavioral assessments and background checks.

HR Director employer: People Puzzles

Join a vibrant and supportive community of HR professionals at People Puzzles, where your expertise will directly impact the growth of SMEs across Yorkshire. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, continuous professional development, and a flexible work-life balance, you'll thrive in an environment that values innovation and strategic thinking. Our award-winning team is dedicated to making a difference, providing you with the autonomy and resources needed to excel in your role as HR Director.
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Contact Detail:

People Puzzles Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land HR Director

✨Tip Number 1

Network with current and former HR Directors in the People Puzzles community. Engaging with them can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your discussions.

✨Tip Number 2

Demonstrate your understanding of SME challenges by preparing examples of how you've successfully implemented HR solutions in similar environments. This will show your potential to add value right from the start.

✨Tip Number 3

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in HR technology and innovative work methods. Being able to discuss these topics will highlight your forward-thinking approach and adaptability, which are key for this role.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your experience in influencing at board level. Highlight specific instances where your strategic input has led to positive outcomes, as this aligns perfectly with the expectations for the HR Director position.

We think you need these skills to ace HR Director

Strategic HR Planning
Change Management
Leadership Development
Organisational Design
Diversity & Inclusion (D&I)
Wellbeing Initiatives
Learning & Development (L&D)
Talent Management
Stakeholder Management
Client Relationship Building
Consulting Experience
Board-Level Influence
Business Strategy Integration
CIPD Level 7 Qualification
Excellent Listening Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability to Fast-Paced Environments
Technological Proficiency
Collaboration and Teamwork

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in HR and business strategy. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead HR solutions and manage client portfolios effectively.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for helping SMEs unlock their potential. Mention how your skills align with the company's mission and values, particularly focusing on collaboration and innovative solutions.

Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, emphasise your senior-level experience and any consulting roles you've held. Highlight your ability to influence at board level and your success in building trusting relationships.

Demonstrate Cultural Fit: Reflect on the company’s core values in your application. Show how you embody their principles of win/win, passion, continuous learning, and pragmatism through your past experiences and professional philosophy.

How to prepare for a job interview at People Puzzles

✨Show Your Passion for People Solutions

Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping businesses unlock their potential through impactful people solutions. Share specific examples of how you've successfully implemented HR strategies that made a difference in previous roles.

✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking

Prepare to discuss how you have contributed to business strategy in the past. Highlight your experience in partnering with senior executives and boards, and be ready to explain how you align HR initiatives with overall business goals.

✨Emphasise Relationship-Building Skills

As a natural people person, it's crucial to showcase your ability to build trusting relationships at all levels. Share anecdotes that illustrate your stakeholder management skills and how you've influenced decision-making in previous positions.

✨Align with Company Values

Familiarise yourself with the company's core values—win/win, passion, continuous learning, and pragmatism. During the interview, demonstrate how your personal values align with theirs and provide examples of how you've embodied these principles in your work.

HR Director
People Puzzles
Location: Stockton-on-Tees
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