At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR strategy, manage teams, and drive engagement across diverse sites.
- Company: Dynamic education group focused on high performance and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a team committed to diversity and employee wellbeing.
- Why this job: Shape the future of HR in a fast-paced, impactful role.
- Qualifications: Proven HR Director experience, strong leadership, and CIPD qualification.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced, thoughtful, and energetic HR Director to lead our UK HR function. Managing all staff across our head office and our diverse footprint of operating sites, you will work closely with the CEO and Board to support a high-performing and engaged workforce.
This is a senior, high-impact role suited to someone currently operating at HR Director level who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. You should be comfortable working closely with executive leadership while also ensuring the day-to-day people agenda runs smoothly across a rapidly moving organisation.
Working directly with the CEO and Board, you’ll play a key role in shaping and delivering a people strategy that supports both our cultural ambitions and our commercial success.
What you will be doing:
- You will act as the senior people leader for the UK business, partnering closely with the CEO and Board.
- You will shape and begin to deliver a clear, multi-year people strategy that aligns with our vision and wider growth plans.
- You will provide the Board with thoughtful, data-led insight on areas such as culture, organisational health, and risk.
- You will lead several important strategic projects, which may include organisational design, supporting integration across sites, and helping to develop a coherent framework around culture and social responsibility.
- You will oversee the full HR function across the group, directly managing a team of HR Business Partners and ensuring strong delivery across People Partnering, HR Operations, and data and reporting.
- You will maintain high standards of compliance and manage complex employee relations matters, including direct experience handling employment tribunals when necessary.
- You will review current reward and benefits structures, ensuring they remain competitive and fair while balancing the financial realities of the organisation.
- You will champion an inclusive and supportive working environment, embedding wellbeing and diversity initiatives across both teaching and operational teams.
- You will oversee leadership development, succession planning, and initiatives that strengthen engagement and retention across the group.
What we are looking for:
- We’re looking for someone who has operated successfully at HR Director level and is comfortable working in a board-facing environment.
- You’ll be a credible, resilient, and grounded leader, able to think strategically while staying close to the practical, fast-moving realities of running a complex organization.
- You should be confident advising senior stakeholders, leading experienced HR Business Partners, and translating people strategy into meaningful organisational outcomes.
- To be successful in this role, you should bring:
- A proven track record of thriving within fast-paced, high-growth, or agile environments.
- Experience managing staff and HR operations across a diverse footprint, including corporate head offices and operational or multi-site locations.
- Experience leading multi-disciplinary HR teams and managing HR Business Partners across Employee Relations, Learning & Development, and HR Operations.
- Strong employee relations expertise, including a proven track record of managing employment tribunals.
- A background in building and delivering people strategies in complex, high-performing organisations, showing how strong people practices contribute to performance and growth.
- A genuine commitment to diversity, inclusion, and creating supportive workplaces.
- CIPD qualification.
Human Resources Director in Slough employer: Direct Recruitment
As a leading education group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development programmes and strategic leadership initiatives, ensuring that our HR Director will play a pivotal role in shaping a thriving workforce across our diverse operating sites. With a focus on wellbeing and social responsibility, we offer a supportive environment where innovative ideas are encouraged, making this an ideal opportunity for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Human Resources Director in Slough
✨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 Direct Recruitment!
✨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.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
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 Direct Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Director in Slough
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 Direct Recruitment. 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 Direct Recruitment 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 Direct Recruitment. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Direct Recruitment'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 Direct Recruitment
✨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 Direct Recruitment.
✨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 Direct Recruitment 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 Direct Recruitment and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
