Head of People

Are you a people-focused HR leader with a proven ability to manage complex employee relations, drive cultural transformation, and build effective partnerships with trade unions? Do you bring a strategic mindset and a hands-on approach to change? If so, this is the opportunity for you.

Ashley Kate HR are pleased to be partnering with their Plc client on a new Head of People role. Based in Bristol – Hybrid. Salary circa £105k + car allowance and Benefits.

Reporting directly to the People & Culture Director you will be responsible for leading a forward-thinking People agenda across a dynamic business area. Managing a team of HR professionals, this role will play a key part in shaping organisational transformation, developing talent, and embedding a high-performance culture. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity at the heart of organisational transformation. Partnering with the business Managing Director you will shape and lead change that makes a difference and help create an environment where every colleague can thrive.

Head of People – About the role

• Design and deliver a strategic People Plan aligned to both business and group-wide objectives.
• Provide expert guidance on high-volume and complex employee relations matters, including casework, restructures, and dispute resolution.
• Lead trade union engagement, fostering collaborative and constructive relationships.
• Act as a senior leader in transformation projects, ensuring the people element of change is delivered effectively—from consultation through to implementation.
• Drive initiatives that improve the employee experience, from onboarding through to leadership development.
• Use HR data to provide insights that shape strategy and enable evidence-based decision-making.
• Inspire and develop a high-performing People team, building capability across all levels.

Head of People – About you

• Significant experience leading HR in a large, complex, and ideally unionised environment.
• CIPD
• A strong record of managing organisational change and transformation, including restructures, TUPE, and cultural change.
• Demonstrable success in managing high volumes of employee relations cases and minimising risk through early intervention and practical solutions.
• Deep understanding of employment law, HR best practice, and industrial relations frameworks.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence and coach at senior levels.
• CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent) qualification and a strategic but hands-on approach.

For further information please contact Jacqui Wall 0203 8001500