Group HR Director

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.