Head of HR & Governance

Head of HR & Governance

Full-Time 100000 - 150000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Artemis Search & Selection Limited

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 change in a fast-paced, scaling 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 HR infrastructure.

The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ 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 Search & Selection Limited

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.

Artemis Search & Selection Limited

Contact Details:

Artemis Search & Selection Limited Recruitment Team

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. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.

Tip Number 2

Get your LinkedIn game on point! Make sure your profile is up-to-date and showcases your experience in building HR functions and leading teams. Engage with relevant content and connect with industry leaders to increase your visibility.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s culture and values. Be ready to discuss how you can help them scale their HR operations and integrate acquisitions effectively. Show them you’re the strategic partner they need!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic roles that could be just what you’re looking for. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of HR & Governance

HR Strategy Development
Leadership Capability Building
M&A Integration
Change Management
Talent Acquisition
Performance Management
Employee Relations

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 built high-performance cultures in previous roles.

Showcase Your Leadership Style:As a potential leader, we want to know about your leadership style and how you drive engagement and performance. Include anecdotes that demonstrate your ability to lead change and develop talent within a multi-site environment.

Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Artemis Search & Selection Limited

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 from scratch and your experience with M&A integration.

Showcase Your Strategic Mindset

Prepare examples that highlight your ability to design and implement scalable people strategies. Think about how you can align workforce plans with business growth and acquisitions, and be ready to share specific outcomes from your previous roles.

Demonstrate Cultural Awareness

Since culture is key in this role, come prepared to discuss how you've defined and embedded company values in past positions. Share your approach to driving leadership capability and engagement strategies during periods of change.

Be Ready for Scenario Questions

Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think through potential challenges in HR governance and compliance, and how you would proactively manage risks in a fast-growing environment.