Hr Director in Newcastle upon Tyne

About the Role

On behalf of our client we are seeking an experienced, forward-thinking, and fully qualified Head of HR / Director of People to join the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). This is a pivotal role for a visionary people leader who can apply strong, inspirational leadership skills to promote and embed a diverse, inclusive, and high-performance culture across the organisation. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will be at the forefront of shaping the company’s future through its most important asset—its people. With a strategic, data-driven mindset and a proven record of implementing innovative people solutions, you will align HR initiatives with the company's long-term business goals while effectively leading, mentoring, and upskilling a small, dedicated HR team.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic HR Leadership & Governance
• Formulate and implement a comprehensive 5-year HR strategy and operational plan designed to support the achievement of the broader macro business plan.
• Serve as an active member of the Senior Leadership Team, providing expert professional advice to executives and senior management on employment law, HR policy, best practice, and workforce development.
• Hold full accountability for corporate compliance with current employment legislation, professional industry standards, and regulatory policies.
• Budget and manage the annual HR department finances efficiently to maximize ROI on people initiatives.
• Performance, Talent & Culture Development
• Champion a high-performance culture focused on successful outcomes, continuous development, and the devolution of day-to-day HR responsibilities to line managers.
• Design, launch, and lead a modernized performance review programme that actively supports continuous professional development for all employees.
• Oversee the creation, monitoring, and execution of robust training, learning and development (L&D), and succession plans across the business.
• Act as an internal executive coach, mentoring senior colleagues to identify leadership strengths and organizational development needs.
• Promote inspirational leadership by visibly demonstrating company values and championing the leadership behavior framework.
• Operational Excellence & Employee Experience
• Lead, support, and develop a small internal HR team, increasing their capability, sharing industry best practices, and ensuring elite professional standards.
• Conduct ongoing strategic reviews of the company’s occupational health provision, employee welfare programmes, and staff benefits/reward packages to maximize retention.
• Design and implement standardized, high-quality onboarding processes to ensure a seamless candidate-to-employee transition.
• Create and oversee a progressive Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DE&I) roadmap that aligns with company values, business commitments, and commercial strategy.
• Determine and track relevant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) tied directly to corporate incentive and reward schemes.
• Data-Driven Insight & Change Management
• Apply extensive analytical knowledge to translate People metrics, HRIS data, and statistical reports into actionable boardroom insights and trend-adjustments.
• Lead the continuous improvement agenda, focusing on engagement activities, workplace welfare, and maximizing organizational productivity.
• Drive smooth change management initiatives across the business, guiding teams through structural transformations with minimal operational disruption.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Experience & Qualifications:
• Proven track record in a Senior HR Business Partner, HR Manager, or similar strategic HR leadership role.
• Strong commercial acumen with a verified history of translating complex business needs into effective people strategies.
• Relevant professional HR qualification (e.g., CIPD Level 7 or equivalent experience) with an ongoing commitment to continuous professional development.
• Tech-savvy with a data-driven approach, possessing practical experience working with modern HRIS platforms and advanced people analytics tools.
• Essential Behavioral Competencies:
• Exceptional HR Knowledge: Advanced understanding of talent acquisition, employee engagement, cultural change frameworks, pay/reward structures, and L&D structures.
• Strategic & Analytical Thinking: Ability to confidently interpret HR data, spot macro-trends, and convert findings into clear resourcing adjustments.
• Emotional Intelligence: A high level of empathy, self-awareness, and active listening, with the natural ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics.
• Relationship Management: Outstanding people skills with a history of building trust and nurturing highly collaborative relationships at all levels of the business.
• Resilience & Adaptability: The confidence to give expert advice under pressure and thrive within a fast-paced, evolving environment.

To Apply

If you are an inspirational, data-driven HR leader ready to make a defining impact on an organisation’s future growth, apply online today.