At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR strategy for a vital defence and nuclear programme, shaping workforce culture and capability.
- Company: Join Babcock, a global leader in defence and engineering with a commitment to national security.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, matched pension contributions, and health benefits including digital GP access.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we value inclusivity and support for all employees.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while developing your leadership skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Senior HR leadership experience and expertise in workforce planning and organisational change required.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Shape the future workforce behind one of the UK's most critical defence and nuclear programmes. At Babcock, we’re working to create a safe and secure world, together. If you join us, you can play your part as a Head of Human Resources at Babcock Technology Centre or Devonport Royal Dockyard.
The role involves taking on a highly strategic leadership position supporting our Naval Nuclear business. This is far more than a traditional human resources leadership role. You'll influence workforce strategy across a complex, highly regulated and unionised environment, ensuring we have the talent, capability and culture needed to deliver programmes that support national security.
Day-to-day, you'll be required to:
- Lead and develop a team of Human Resources Business Partners, Advisors and Specialists to deliver an exceptional people service.
- Partner with senior leaders to shape and deliver workforce, talent and organisational strategies aligned to business objectives.
- Drive organisational design, transformation and workforce planning initiatives that support future capability requirements.
- Oversee complex employee relations matters while providing expert guidance on change, performance and organisational effectiveness.
- Use people data and insights to influence decision-making, enhance employee engagement and strengthen leadership capability.
This is a full-time role working 35 hours per week. The role is based at Babcock Technology Centre or Devonport Royal Dockyard, with a minimum of three days per week on site and occasional travel to other Babcock locations, including Plymouth.
Essential experience:
- Significant experience within a senior Human Resources leadership role in a large and complex organisation.
- Proven success leading and developing high-performing Human Resources teams.
- Extensive expertise across workforce planning, organisational development, employee relations, talent management and change management.
- Demonstrable experience leading large-scale transformation and organisational change programmes.
- Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence executive leaders and align people strategies to business priorities.
Qualifications:
- Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development Level 7 qualified, or equivalent.
- Significant experience operating in a senior Human Resources leadership position.
- Strong expertise in employee relations, organisational change, workforce planning and talent management.
Security Clearance:
The successful candidate must be a Sole UK National and be able to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) security clearance for this role. Many of the positions within our company are subject to national security clearance and Trade Control restrictions.
What we offer:
- Generous holiday allowance
- Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
- Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+
- Employee shopping savings portal
- Payment of Professional Fees
- Reservists in the armed forces receive 10-days special paid leave
- Holiday Trading allows UK Babcock employees to buy additional leave or to sell up to one working week of annual leave from their annual entitlement.
- ‘Be Kind Day’ enables employees to take one working day's paid leave a year to undertake volunteering work with their chosen organisation or registered charity.
We’re Babcock — a global FTSE 100 organisation with over 29,000 people working together to make a difference. Here, you’ll be part of something bigger. From initial design to final decommissioning, your work will contribute to products and services that are essential to national security and public infrastructure. Together, we’re building a future that lasts — not just through the impact we make, but through meaningful careers that respect your work-life balance.
We call that lifetime engineering. Join us and see how far we can go, together.
We are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email careers@babcockinternational.com with the subject header ‘Reasonable adjustments requirement’. We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.
Closing date: 15/10/2026
Head of Human Resources in Bristol employer: Babcock
Babcock is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and leadership thrive. With competitive compensation, generous benefits, and a strong commitment to employee development, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of asset management while enjoying a healthy work-life balance in beautiful locations like Bristol, Plymouth, and Helensburgh. Join us to be part of a global organisation dedicated to making a meaningful impact on national security and public infrastructure.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Human Resources in Bristol
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Babcock!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
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Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Babcock.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Human Resources in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Babcock. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Babcock and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Babcock. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Babcock's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Babcock.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Babcock will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Babcock and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
