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- Tasks: Lead HR initiatives and support employee growth in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a vibrant business in Chester, supporting over 130 employees across the UK and internationally.
- Benefits: Enjoy 23 days holiday, pension, retail discounts, and free parking.
- Why this job: Make a strategic impact while developing a positive workplace culture and supporting ESG projects.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or equivalent experience in a senior HR role required.
- Other info: Full-time office-based role with opportunities for personal development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity for an experienced HR professional to join a dynamic and growing business as Head of People and Culture. This is a full-time, office-based role in Chester, supporting around 130+ UK employees along with international teams.
Requirements:
- CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent experience in a senior HR role).
- Office-based, full-time role (37.5 hours per week).
- Competitive salary up to £50k depending on experience.
Benefits:
- 23 days holiday (rising to 25), plus bank holidays.
- Pension, retail discounts, life insurance, learning & development support.
- Discounted personal holidays and free parking.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and develop the HR function across the full employee lifecycle.
- Partner with leadership on strategic people initiatives, including growth plans and ESG projects.
- Manage complex employee relations cases (e.g. disciplinaries, grievances, redundancy, tribunals).
- Oversee policy development, performance management, and compliance with employment legislation.
- Develop and execute recruitment strategies in the UK and South Africa.
- Manage HR reporting, payroll data accuracy, and employee benefits.
- Support on broader areas including ESG, Health & Safety, and Data Governance.
- Line manage and mentor a HR Coordinator.
What We’re Looking For:
- Strong generalist HR background with management experience, ideally within an SME.
- Up-to-date employment law knowledge and confidence handling ER cases.
- Strategic mindset with hands-on capability and flexibility.
- Previous experience supporting ESG or cross-functional business projects.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Proficiency with HR systems and Microsoft/Google tools.
If you’re an all-round HR professional looking to make a strategic impact in a growing business, this role could be the perfect next step in your career.
Head of People and Culture employer: Adaptable Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Adaptable Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of People and Culture
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in HR and People Management, especially in SMEs. This will not only help you understand the challenges faced by the company but also allow you to discuss how you can contribute strategically during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of StudySmarter on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide you with insider knowledge about the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to handle complex employee relations cases and lead strategic initiatives. Being able to articulate these experiences clearly will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of ESG initiatives and how they can be integrated into HR practices. Given the emphasis on ESG projects in the job description, being able to discuss relevant strategies will highlight your alignment with the company's goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of People and Culture
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your HR experience, particularly in areas like employee relations, policy development, and strategic initiatives. Use specific examples that demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for people and culture. Mention your CIPD Level 5 qualification and how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise your experience with complex employee relations cases and any strategic projects you've led. This will show that you have the hands-on capability and strategic mindset they are looking for.
Showcase Interpersonal Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, provide examples of how you've successfully partnered with leadership or managed teams. This will help demonstrate your fit for the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Adaptable Recruitment
✨Showcase Your HR Expertise
As a candidate for the Head of People and Culture, it's crucial to demonstrate your extensive HR knowledge. Be prepared to discuss your experience with employee relations, policy development, and compliance with employment legislation, as these are key responsibilities of the role.
✨Highlight Strategic Thinking
This position requires a strategic mindset. During the interview, share examples of how you've partnered with leadership on people initiatives or contributed to growth plans. This will show that you can think beyond day-to-day HR tasks and align with the company's long-term goals.
✨Prepare for Complex Scenarios
Given the nature of the role, you may be asked about handling complex employee relations cases. Prepare specific examples of past experiences where you successfully managed disciplinaries, grievances, or other challenging situations, showcasing your problem-solving skills.
✨Demonstrate Interpersonal Skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential for this role. Be ready to discuss how you've built relationships within teams and across departments. Consider sharing anecdotes that illustrate your ability to mentor others and foster a positive workplace culture.
