At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and build the HR function from scratch to support rapid business growth.
- Company: Join a dynamic company focused on aggressive expansion and acquisitions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to shape company culture.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to influence a high-performance culture in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Be a key player in driving organisational success and shaping the future of the company.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in HR leadership, M&A integration, and building scalable HR systems.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Artemis executive search has been successfully retained to appoint a commercially minded HR Director to build and lead the people function from the ground up. This is a pivotal executive leadership role responsible for designing and delivering a scalable people strategy to support a business targeting 4x growth over the next five years, primarily through acquisitions and multi-site expansion.
The successful candidate will create the HR infrastructure, systems, culture and leadership capability required to integrate acquisitions, professionalise operations, and build a high-performance organisation at scale. Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and Board on organisational design, capability, culture, and succession. Build workforce plans aligned to acquisition pipeline and organic growth. Establish governance, policies and people processes suitable for a scaling, multi-entity business.
Build the HR Function from Scratch
- Design and implement the target HR operating model.
- Recruit and develop a high-performing HR team as the business scales.
- Implement core HR infrastructure including:
- HRIS and reporting capability
- Payroll and compliance frameworks
- Performance management systems
- Reward and benefits structures
- Talent acquisition frameworks
- Establish scalable processes that can flex through rapid growth and M&A activity.
M&A and Integration
- Lead the people workstream for acquisitions, including:
- Due diligence
- Risk assessment (TUPE, employment liabilities, pensions, cultural risks)
- Integration planning and execution
- Harmonise terms & conditions where appropriate while protecting engagement and retention.
Culture & Organisational Development
- Define and embed a clear company purpose, values and behavioural framework.
- Drive leadership capability across multi-site management teams.
- Develop succession planning and internal talent pipelines.
- Build engagement strategies to retain key talent during periods of change.
- Lead change management initiatives as the business evolves.
Talent & Performance
- Design scalable recruitment strategies to support aggressive site expansion.
- Implement structured performance management aligned to commercial KPIs.
- Develop reward frameworks that attract and retain talent while maintaining cost discipline.
- Introduce leadership development and management capability programmes.
Employee Relations & Risk
- Ensure full compliance with employment legislation across all operating regions.
- Proactively manage risk in a fast-growing, acquisitive structure.
- Establish appropriate policies, documentation, and governance frameworks.
Proven People/HR Director experience in a multi-site, scaling business. Experience building HR infrastructure from an early-stage or fragmented platform. Strong M&A integration experience. Experience operating in high-growth environment preferred. Track record of supporting significant headcount and revenue growth.
Head of HR & Governance employer: Artemis Human Capital
As a forward-thinking organisation poised for significant growth, we offer an exceptional opportunity for the Head of HR & Governance to shape our people function from the ground up. Our dynamic work culture fosters innovation and collaboration, while our commitment to employee development ensures that you will have ample opportunities for professional growth and leadership advancement. Located in a vibrant area, we provide a supportive environment where your contributions will directly impact our ambitious expansion plans and organisational success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of HR & Governance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. Attend industry events or webinars to meet new people and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a personal brand online by sharing insights and articles related to HR and governance on platforms like LinkedIn. This will position you as a thought leader and attract potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s culture and values. Tailor your responses to demonstrate how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around scaling and M&A integration.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We have a range of exciting roles that could be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of HR & Governance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of HR & Governance. Highlight your experience in building HR functions from scratch and any M&A integration work you've done. We want to see how your skills align with our ambitious growth plans!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this pivotal role. Share specific examples of how you've designed scalable people strategies and led high-performing teams in the past. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, let us know about your leadership approach. How do you build culture and drive engagement? We’re looking for someone who can inspire and develop others, so share your thoughts on leadership development and succession planning.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy – just a few clicks and you’re done!
How to prepare for a job interview at Artemis Human Capital
✨Know Your HR Fundamentals
Make sure you brush up on the core HR principles and practices, especially those related to scaling businesses. Be ready to discuss how you've built HR infrastructure in previous roles and how that experience can translate to this new position.
✨Showcase Your M&A Experience
Since this role involves significant M&A integration, prepare specific examples of your past experiences with due diligence, risk assessment, and cultural integration. Highlight how you managed these processes and the outcomes achieved.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
This position requires a commercially minded approach, so be prepared to discuss how you would design and implement a scalable people strategy. Think about workforce planning and how you would align HR initiatives with business growth targets.
✨Engage with Company Culture
Understand the company's values and culture before the interview. Be ready to articulate how you would define and embed a clear company purpose and behavioural framework, and how you would drive engagement strategies during periods of change.
