Interim Human Resources Director in Belfast

Interim Human Resources Director in Belfast

Belfast Temporary 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Arriva Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead HR strategy and deliver high-quality HR services across a multi-site business.
  • Company: Join a dynamic organisation focused on growth and cultural development.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to shape company culture.
  • Other info: Opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment with excellent career progression.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by influencing people strategies and driving engagement.
  • Qualifications: CIPD qualified or equivalent experience with strong HR leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

This role is interim for 12 months. We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded HR Director to lead the delivery of a high‑quality, proactive, and value‑adding HR service across a complex, multi‑site business division. This is a pivotal leadership role, responsible for shaping and delivering the People Plan, providing trusted advice to senior leaders on complex people matters, and leading the HR function to support business performance, growth, and cultural development. You will operate as a key member of the wider HR leadership community, influencing at both divisional and enterprise level.

Strategic People Leadership

  • Lead the development, implementation, and delivery of the People Strategy, aligned to business objectives and future growth plans.
  • Act as a trusted adviser to Directors and Senior Managers on complex, sensitive, and high‑risk people issues.
  • Champion a high‑performance culture focused on engagement, capability, and fair reward.

Business Partnering & Influence

  • Build strong, credible relationships with senior leaders through effective coaching, challenge, and influence.
  • Develop a deep understanding of operational priorities, challenges, and frontline realities.
  • Translate business strategy into clear, actionable people plans.

Workforce, Talent & Capability

  • Create and deliver workforce and succession plans to ensure a fit‑for‑the‑future organisation.
  • Lead talent management, leadership development, and succession planning activity.
  • Drive employee engagement, experience, and performance through insight‑led interventions.

Employee & Industrial Relations

  • Lead and maintain a constructive and productive employee and industrial relations environment.
  • Take accountability for pay negotiations and reward strategy development.
  • Provide expert guidance on ER and IR matters in a unionised environment.

Organisation Design & Change

  • Ensure organisational structures are fit for purpose in the short, medium, and long term.
  • Lead and oversee organisational change programmes, including consultation processes, TUPE, and harmonisation of terms where required.
  • Drive cultural, capability, and change initiatives aligned to business needs.

Governance, Insight & Compliance

  • Define and interpret people metrics, translating data into meaningful insight and challenge for leaders.
  • Ensure full compliance with employment legislation, policies, and people governance.
  • Monitor and advise on legislative changes and case law.

HR Function Leadership

  • Lead, develop, and motivate the HR function, ensuring high standards of service delivery.
  • Oversee HR financial planning, forecasting, and budget management.
  • Work collaboratively with specialist centres of expertise to deliver inclusion, talent, learning, wellbeing, and reward strategies.
  • Own and deliver the internal communications strategy to drive engagement and transparency.

Skills, Experience & Attributes

  • CIPD qualified (degree level or equivalent) or qualified by experience.
  • Proven senior HR leadership experience within a complex, multi‑site or regulated environment.
  • Strong commercial acumen and ability to exercise sound, independent judgement.
  • Credible influencer with the confidence to challenge and advise at executive level.
  • Strong analytical and problem‑solving capability, with experience using HR data to drive decisions.
  • Working knowledge of modern HR systems and analytics (e.g. Workday is advantageous).
  • Resilient, adaptable, and comfortable operating in highly dynamic environments.
  • Willingness to travel across multiple locations as required.
  • Extensive experience across: Employee & industrial relations, Reward and pay negotiation, Organisational change and transformation.

Interim Human Resources Director in Belfast employer: Arriva Group

As an Interim Human Resources Director, you will join a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation that prioritises employee engagement and cultural development. Our collaborative work culture fosters strong relationships with senior leaders, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and influence within a complex, multi-site environment. With a commitment to high-quality HR service delivery and a focus on strategic people leadership, this role offers a unique chance to shape the future of our workforce while enjoying a supportive and inclusive workplace.

Arriva Group

Contact Details:

Arriva Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Interim Human Resources Director in Belfast

Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies

Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.

Network at HR Events and Workshops

Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!

Showcase Your Flexibility

In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!

Apply Directly Through Our Website

Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at Arriva Group and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!

We think you need these skills to ace Interim Human Resources Director in Belfast

CIPD qualified
Senior HR Leadership
Commercial Acumen
Influencing Skills
Analytical Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
HR Data Analysis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!

Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!

Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!

Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at Arriva Group. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva Group

Showcase Your Adaptability

Given that this is a temporary HR role at Arriva Group, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.

Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools

Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that Arriva Group uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.

Your Motivation Matters

As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at Arriva Group.

Prepare for Real-World Scenarios

HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at Arriva Group.