Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR strategy and operations for a dynamic supply chain organisation.
- Company: Join Hays, a leading recruitment partner, supporting a multi-site supply chain business.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, a car allowance, performance bonuses, and 25 days holiday.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a thriving organisation while influencing at the executive level.
- Qualifications: Proven HR leadership experience in complex, fast-paced environments is essential.
- Other info: This role offers autonomy and the chance to make a lasting impact.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ 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).
Hays EA is a trading division of Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited and acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C\’s, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk
Group HR Director (Northampton) employer: Hays
Contact Detail:
Hays Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group HR Director (Northampton)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the HR field, especially those who have experience in multi-site environments. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in HR leadership.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company’s current HR strategies and challenges. Understanding their specific needs will allow you to tailor your discussions during interviews, showcasing how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with unionised workforces and employee relations. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated complex situations in the past, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your strategic thinking by preparing a few ideas on how you would approach workforce planning and leadership development in their organisation. This proactive approach can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Group HR Director (Northampton)
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 on workforce dynamics and performance.
Highlight Leadership Skills: Emphasise your leadership style and how it aligns with the company's values. Discuss your experience in coaching senior leaders and fostering inclusive, high-performing cultures, as these are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Understand the Company Culture
Before your interview, take some time to research the company's culture and values. This will help you align your answers with what they are looking for in a Group HR Director, showing that you can fit into their environment and contribute positively.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be prepared to discuss your experience with strategic workforce planning and how you've successfully implemented HR initiatives in the past. Use specific examples to illustrate your ability to balance day-to-day operations with long-term goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this role involves coaching and developing a senior leadership team, be ready to share your leadership philosophy and experiences. Highlight instances where you've influenced others and driven change within an organisation.
✨Prepare for Complex Scenarios
Given the nature of the role, expect questions about managing unionised workforces and navigating employee relations. Prepare examples of how you've handled complex situations in the past, demonstrating your calm and composed approach.
