At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and build the HR function from scratch to support rapid business growth.
- Company: Dynamic company focused on aggressive expansion and acquisitions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to shape company culture.
- Other info: Join a fast-paced environment with significant career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Be a key player in transforming HR and driving organisational success.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in HR leadership, M&A integration, and scaling businesses.
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.
Key Responsibilities:
- Build workforce plans aligned to acquisition pipeline and organic growth.
- Establish governance, policies and people processes suitable for a scaling, multi-entity business.
- 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, and 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), and 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 is essential, along with experience building HR infrastructure from an early-stage or fragmented platform, strong M&A integration experience, and a track record of supporting significant headcount and revenue growth.
HR Manager Payroll employer: Artemis Search & Selection Limited
As an HR Manager Payroll at our dynamic and rapidly growing company, you will be part of a vibrant work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. We offer exceptional employee growth opportunities, including leadership development programmes and a chance to shape the HR function from the ground up, all while working in a supportive environment that values your contributions. Join us in a location that fosters both professional and personal development, as we aim for ambitious growth through acquisitions and multi-site expansion.
Contact Details:
Artemis Search & Selection Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Manager Payroll
✨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
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around building HR infrastructure and supporting growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that excite you! Use our website to find roles that match your skills and aspirations. We’ve got plenty of opportunities waiting for you!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews with a thank-you note. It’s a great way to reiterate your interest in the role and remind them why you’re the best fit for leading their HR function.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Manager Payroll
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the HR Manager Payroll role. Highlight your experience in building HR infrastructure and managing payroll systems, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your achievements in similar roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this pivotal role. Share your vision for creating a scalable people strategy and how your past experiences align with our goals. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your M&A Experience:Since M&A integration is crucial for this position, make sure to emphasise any relevant experience you have. Discuss how you've successfully managed people workstreams during acquisitions and what strategies you implemented to ensure smooth transitions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Artemis Search & Selection Limited
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the company's mission, values, and recent news. Understanding their growth strategy and how they plan to scale will help you align your answers with their goals, showing that you're not just a fit for the role but also for the company culture.
✨Prepare Your Success Stories
Think of specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to build HR infrastructure, manage M&A integration, and lead change management initiatives. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly and effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the role and the company's future. Inquire about their current HR challenges, how they envision the HR function evolving, and what success looks like for the HR Manager Payroll in the first 90 days.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As this role involves building a high-performing HR team, be ready to discuss your leadership philosophy. Share how you develop talent, foster engagement, and create a positive culture, especially during periods of change and growth.
