Head Of HR

Head of HR – Cosham (Portsmouth) | £60,000 + 10% Bonus + Benefits | Permanent Are you an experienced HR professional ready to lead and shape the people strategy of a growing, private equity-backed business in the built environment and infrastructure sector? We’re looking for a Head of HR to take full ownership of the HR function and play a central role in the continued success of a multi-disciplinary consultancy operating at the forefront of UK Government and critical infrastructure projects. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to step into a highly autonomous role, where you will work closely with the Board to shape the future of the company’s people, culture and capability. You’ll be joining at a pivotal time as the business continues to scale, delivering professional services including engineering, surveying, architecture and project management. Please note: Due to the nature of the work, you must be a British National (or dual national with British citizenship) and either hold or be able to obtain UK Government Security Clearance. You must also be able to commute to the Portsmouth office as the role will be largely office based. What You’ll Be Doing: 🔹 Take ownership of the full HR function across a growing team of ~60 professionals 🔹 Develop and implement recruitment strategies to attract top talent 🔹 Introduce policies, initiatives and frameworks to drive staff retention and engagement 🔹 Oversee training, performance reviews and personal development programmes 🔹 Support a positive, high-performing and inclusive culture across all teams 🔹 Ensure robust onboarding, leavers, performance improvement and grievance processes 🔹 Deliver clear, consistent employee communications and staff engagement events 🔹 Provide expert HR guidance to the Board, shaping people strategy and driving business performance 🔹 Ensure compliance with GDPR and employment legislation 🔹 Monitor compensation, benefits, and market alignment to retain and reward high performers What We’re Looking For: ✅ CIPD qualified (or working towards) ✅ 10+ years\’ HR experience, with recent experience in a leadership role ✅ Comfortable operating autonomously, with experience managing HR in an SME or fast-growth business ✅ Excellent knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices ✅ Strong communication and relationship-building skills across all levels ✅ Confident in handling complex or sensitive people matters with discretion ✅ Project and change management skills to support broader business transformation ✅ Living within commuting distance of Cosham HQ (this is largely an office-based role) ✅ Eligible for, or currently hold, UK Government Security Clearance What’s on Offer: 💼 Competitive salary of £60,000 p.a. 🎯 Bonus scheme up to 10% 💡 High-impact role working directly with the Board 🏆 The chance to shape the HR function from the ground up 📈 Career-defining opportunity during a key period of growth If you’re a people-focused proactive HR leader with a passion for driving change and building a high-performing culture, we want to hear from you. 📩 Apply now to take the next step in your HR leadership career