At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the people strategy for a growing hospitality business.
- Company: Accent Catering, an award-winning fresh food company.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, private medical insurance, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with excellent career growth opportunities and a focus on innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive environment focused on people development.
- Qualifications: Significant HR experience, strong leadership skills, and knowledge of UK employment law.
The predicted salary is between 95000 - 95000 £ per year.
Are you ready to lead and shape the people strategy of an ambitious and growing hospitality business?
- HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR
- Staines-upon-Thames | £95K plus bonus | Full-time (40 hrs/week)
- We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced
HR Director to join the team at Accent Catering.
Reporting to the Finance Director, this is a key senior leadership role responsible for leading the HR function and delivering a professional, practical and commercially focused people strategy across our multi-site contract catering business.
Working closely with the senior leadership team, you will play a pivotal role in helping Accent continue to be recognised as one of the best employers in the industry.
You will help shape and drive the culture of the business, supporting people development, management capability and employee engagement while ensuring a consistent, compliant and commercially balanced approach to HR across the company.
This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on operational support in a fast-paced environment where managers require clear, confident and commercially sound guidance.
You will lead on complex employee relations matters, organisational change, safeguarding, recruitment strategy, HR systems development and the practical use of AI and technology to improve efficiency, reporting and decision-making across the HR function.
We are looking for a commercially minded and highly credible HR leader with significant generalist Human Resources experience within a multi-site environment.
You will be confident influencing senior stakeholders, leading and inspiring teams, driving projects and supporting managers through complex people matters with professionalism, resilience and sound judgement.
Benefits of working with Accent as an HR Director:-
- Competitive salary with annual review
- Annual performance bonus
- Free on-site parking
- Life insurance, company sick pay and pension
- Private medical insurance
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Career development opportunities and study support
- Multiple Discounts on our Accent Engage platform - shops, restaurants, gifts, leisure and more
- HIT apprenticeships for all experience levels
- Team events, awards and competitions throughout the year
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing and financial support
- As our HR Director, you will be:-
- Leading and developing the HR team to deliver a consistent, responsive and commercially focused HR service
- Partnering with senior leaders to shape and deliver the company people strategy
- Supporting the business to recruit, develop and retain the best talent across the organisation
- Driving a positive, accountable and high-performing management culture
- Leading on complex employee relations matters including disciplinary, grievance, absence, capability and safeguarding cases
- Providing practical and commercially balanced advice on employment law, risk and organisational change
- Working with Operations Directors and senior managers to identify training needs and deliver practical management training, building confidence in areas such as absence, conduct, performance, difficult conversations, safeguarding, recruitment and policy application
- Leading and supporting the company’s ongoing pursuit and achievement of recognised catering industry employer accreditations and awards, helping to drive continuous improvement and reinforce best practice across the business.
- Monitoring changes in employment legislation and implementing effective policies and practices across the business
- Supporting TUPE transfers, restructures, consultations and mobilisation activity
- Leading HR projects, systems development and process improvements including the use of AI and automation
- Using HR data, reporting and insight to identify trends, improve decision-making and reduce risk
- Supporting initiatives focused on employee engagement, wellbeing, sustainability and people development
- Working closely with Operations teams to support workforce planning and reduce agency spend
- What you will bring:-
- Significant senior HR experience within a fast-paced, multi-site organisation
- Strong generalist HR knowledge including employee relations, organisational change, recruitment, TUPE and management development
- Detailed knowledge of UK employment law, HR best practice and current legislative developments
- Experience handling complex ER matters confidently, effectively and assertively
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance business needs, legal compliance and employee experience
- Experience advising and influencing senior leaders and stakeholders
- Strong leadership skills with experience developing and inspiring HR teams
- Excellent communication, relationship building and organisational skills
- Experience improving HR systems, reporting, automation and digital processes
- Interest and understanding of how AI and technology can support modern HR practices
- High attention to detail with a proactive and solutions-focused approach
- A CIPD qualification at Level 7 or equivalent
About Accent Catering...
We are an ambitious and ever-growing fresh food company, providing innovative food service solutions to a variety of Schools and Businesses.
With t urnover in excess of £55m, more than 1,400 employees, and operations across over 170 catering sites , we have won numerous awards for our service, including The Caterer’s prestigious
Best Places to Work in Hospitality.
At Accent we’re passionate about food quality and people development, making this a fantastic place to build your career in a supportive and professional environment. We are independently owned , so you’ll never be just another number to us - our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we take pride in recognising every individual’s contribution.
- SALARY
- Salary £95K per annum plus bonus
- HOURS
- 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday
- LOCATION
Based at our prestigious riverside offices in Staines-upon-Thames with occasional travel to sites as required.
Apply now and join our Award Winning team!
The Company treats personal data collected during the recruitment process in accordance with its data protection policy.
Information about how your data is used and the basis for processing your data is provided in the Company’s privacy notice which can be found on our website.
#INDHP
HR Director in Staines employer: Accent Catering Services
Accent Catering is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes private medical insurance, generous holiday allowance, and career development opportunities. With a strong focus on employee engagement and well-being, our supportive work culture fosters professional growth and innovation, making it an ideal environment for HR leaders to thrive. Located in the picturesque Staines-upon-Thames, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to excellence in the hospitality industry, where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Director in Staines
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Accent Catering Services!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Accent Catering Services.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Director in Staines
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Accent Catering Services. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Accent Catering Services and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Accent Catering Services. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Accent Catering Services's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Accent Catering Services
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Accent Catering Services.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Accent Catering Services will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Accent Catering Services and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
