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- Tasks: Lead HR strategy and operations while shaping a progressive people agenda.
- Company: Join Hays, a leading recruitment partner for a dynamic supply chain organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, a car allowance, performance bonuses, and 25 days holiday.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on culture and performance in a thriving organisation.
- Qualifications: Proven HR leadership experience in complex, fast-paced environments is essential.
- Other info: This role offers autonomy and the chance to influence at the executive level.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Your new company Hays is proud to be partnering with a highly accomplished, multi-site supply chain organisation that is seeking a commercially astute Group HR Director to join their Executive Leadership Team. This role's purpose is to shape a people strategy that supports long-term, sustainable success. This is a pivotal role, reporting directly to the CEO, designed to encourage investment in the workforce of tomorrow, whilst navigating the complexities of a diverse, service-led business where margins matter.
Where you'll make a difference This role requires a leader who can operate with one foot firmly in the day-to-day, managing budgets, operations and tactical delivery whilst keeping the other in strategic planning and shaping a progressive, people agenda. This is a rare opportunity to truly focus on transformation and futureproofing whilst influencing at the highest level. Key responsibilities will include:
- Balancing day-to-day operational HR leadership with long-term strategic planning and innovation.
- Driving strategic workforce planning, succession planning, and leadership development.
- Coaching and developing a strong senior leadership team, preparing them for future board-level progression.
- Conducting a comprehensive gap analysis of current HR processes and systems.
- Building and maintaining strong, constructive relationships with trade unions across multiple sites.
- Standardising and enhancing the employee experience across the organisation.
- Strengthening employer branding, recognition and reward and employee engagement initiatives.
- Driving a stronger CSR and ESG agenda, aligning people strategies that reflect organisational values.
- Leading and delivering cross-functional HR projects with measurable business outcomes.
What you'll bring Proven experience as an HR Director at Group or Board level within a product-led or service-intensive industry, ideally one that is fast-paced, operationally complex, and margin-sensitive. Strong commercial acumen and a deep understanding of workforce dynamics and performance impact. Experience managing unionised workforces and navigating complex employee relations. A self-starter with a track record of successfully leading and delivering strategic HR projects. Comfortable operating across multi-site environments, with the ability to adapt to local and organisational nuances. A strong yet calm and composed leader. Credible, emotionally intelligent and influential without needing to be the loudest voice in the room. Agile in thought and approach, with the ability to pivot quickly and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment. Equally confident in tactical execution and strategic foresight, with a passion for building inclusive, high-performing cultures.
What's in it for you? Benefits include a car allowance, performance bonus, 25 days holiday + bank holidays, family private medical insurance, death in service and a competitive pension. Hybrid working is available. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of a thriving, successful organisation. You'll work alongside an established leadership team and have the autonomy to make a lasting impact on their people, culture and performance - with plenty of fun along the way!
Next steps Hays are the retained recruitment partner for this appointment. All applications will be managed exclusively by Hays. For a confidential conversation, please contact Louisa London, Business Director or Bernice Randall, Manager. Please note: this role is subject to a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).
Group HR Director employer: Hays
Contact Detail:
Hays Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group HR Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the HR field, especially those who have experience at the Group or Board level. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in HR leadership.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by multi-site organisations, particularly in supply chain management. Understanding these complexities will help you demonstrate your strategic thinking and operational insight during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with unionised workforces and employee relations. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully navigated these situations, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to balance tactical execution with strategic foresight. Think of specific instances where you've led HR projects that resulted in measurable business outcomes, as this will resonate well with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Group HR Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Group HR Director position. Identify key responsibilities and required skills, ensuring you can demonstrate your experience in these areas.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience that aligns with the role's requirements. Focus on your achievements in HR leadership, strategic planning, and managing complex employee relations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for shaping people strategies and your ability to drive transformation. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate your impact and leadership style.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, emphasise measurable outcomes from your previous HR projects. This could include improvements in employee engagement, successful union negotiations, or innovative workforce planning initiatives.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
As a Group HR Director, you'll need to showcase your ability to balance day-to-day operations with long-term strategic planning. Prepare examples of how you've successfully implemented HR strategies that align with business goals and demonstrate your commercial acumen.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Highlight your experience in coaching and developing senior leadership teams. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you've prepared leaders for board-level progression and how you fostered a high-performing culture within your teams.
✨Understand Workforce Dynamics
Familiarise yourself with the complexities of managing unionised workforces and employee relations. Be prepared to discuss your approach to building constructive relationships with trade unions and how you've navigated challenges in this area.
✨Emphasise Adaptability
In a fast-paced environment, being agile is crucial. Share examples of how you've pivoted quickly in response to changing circumstances and made sound decisions that positively impacted the organisation's workforce and culture.
