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- 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 extensive career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by influencing people strategies and driving engagement.
- Qualifications: CIPD qualified or equivalent experience with proven senior HR leadership.
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 Stoke-on-Trent employer: Arriva Group
Contact Detail:
Arriva Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Human Resources Director in Stoke-on-Trent
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the HR field! Attend industry events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Ace the Informational Interview
Set up informal chats with HR leaders or recruiters to learn more about their experiences and insights. This not only helps you gather valuable information but also puts you on their radar when positions come up. Remember, it’s all about making connections!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, be ready to discuss your past achievements and how they relate to the role. Use specific examples that highlight your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills in HR. We want to see how you can add value!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us not only streamlines the process but also shows your genuine interest in being part of our team. Let’s make it happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Human Resources Director in Stoke-on-Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Interim Human Resources Director. Highlight your experience in leading HR functions, shaping people strategies, and your ability to influence at senior levels. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this interim role. Share specific examples of how you've tackled complex people issues and driven cultural change in previous positions. Let us know what makes you tick!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasise your leadership experience and how you've motivated HR teams in the past. We’re looking for someone who can lead by example and drive high performance, so don’t hold back on sharing your successes!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva Group
✨Know Your People Strategy
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's People Strategy. Understand how it aligns with their business objectives and be ready to discuss how your experience can enhance their current plans. This shows you’re not just familiar with HR but also genuinely interested in their specific needs.
✨Prepare for Complex Scenarios
Given the nature of this role, expect questions around complex people issues. Prepare examples from your past where you've successfully navigated sensitive situations or provided strategic advice to senior leaders. This will demonstrate your capability to handle high-stakes challenges.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be ready to discuss how you've used HR data to drive decisions in previous roles. Bring examples of metrics you've defined and how they translated into actionable insights. This will highlight your analytical prowess and ability to influence at an executive level.
✨Cultural Fit is Key
Research the company culture and think about how you can contribute to it. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve championed a high-performance culture in the past. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a personal level and show that you’re aligned with their values.