At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR strategy, foster a high-performance culture, and mentor a dedicated HR team.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to shape company culture.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and innovation in HR practices.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people’s lives and drive organisational success.
- Qualifications: Proven HR leadership experience and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
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 behaviour 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 organisational 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.
Director of People in North East employer: Branta Recruitment Ltd
As a forward-thinking employer, our client offers a dynamic work environment that prioritises diversity, inclusion, and high performance. Employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, a supportive culture that champions leadership, and a commitment to employee welfare and engagement. Located in a vibrant area, the company fosters a collaborative atmosphere where innovative HR strategies are implemented to shape the future of its most valuable asset – its people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of People in North East
✨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 leadership style aligns with their vision. Remember, they want to see how you can shape their people strategy!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings! Apply directly through our website and express your interest in roles that excite you. Sometimes, being proactive can put you ahead of the competition.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your data-driven mindset during interviews. Be ready to discuss how you've used analytics to drive HR initiatives in the past. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and ability to align HR with business goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of People in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Director of People role. Highlight your strategic HR leadership experience and any innovative people solutions you've implemented.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of how you've championed high-performance cultures and led HR teams in the past.
Showcase Your Data-Driven Mindset:Since this role requires a strong analytical approach, be sure to mention any experience you have with HRIS platforms and how you've used data to drive decision-making in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and you can easily track your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Branta Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your HR Strategy Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the company's current HR strategy and how it aligns with their business goals. Be ready to discuss your vision for a 5-year HR plan and how you would implement it effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your inspirational leadership skills. Think about times when you've successfully led a team through change or developed talent within your organisation. This will demonstrate your ability to mentor and upskill others.
✨Be Data-Driven
Familiarise yourself with key HR metrics and be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Highlight your experience with HRIS platforms and analytics tools, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Emphasise Diversity and Inclusion
Given the importance of DE&I in this role, come prepared with ideas on how to create a progressive roadmap for diversity and inclusion. Share any past initiatives you've led that promoted a diverse and inclusive workplace culture.
