At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the people function, managing the entire employee lifecycle and ensuring a positive workplace culture.
- Company: Harlyn Solutions, an innovative engineering-led transportation company with a focus on growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive work environment, and opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Other info: Hands-on role with a collaborative culture at our modern HQ in Blyth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping the people function in a rapidly growing business.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational HR leadership and a passion for developing talent.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Harlyn Solutions is an engineering-led transportation company specialising in moving complex and unique cargo. We have grown rapidly through innovative thinking, precise engineering, and an ability to respond quickly where others cannot. We solve complex transportation problems so our clients can focus on what matters most to them. Our work spans heavy transport, offshore logistics, renewables, and infrastructure projects across the UK and internationally.
Harlyn is seeking an experienced operational HR leader to take full ownership of the day-to-day people function as the business grows. As a company that strongly believes in and celebrates growth from within, this role will play a key part in supporting, developing, and retaining our people at every stage of their journey.
Reporting to the Director, this role is the operational backbone of how Harlyn manages, develops, and looks after its people — owning the employee lifecycle end-to-end, the HR policy framework, employee relations casework, reward and benefits administration, recruitment, and the systems and processes that keep a growing business compliant and well-run.
This is not a strategic HR Director role, nor is it an administrator role. It is a hands-on operational leadership role with full ownership of how the people function runs and develops alongside the business.
What we expect from you:
- Employee Lifecycle Ownership: Own the end-to-end employee lifecycle — offers, contracts, onboarding, probation, role changes, management of an appraisal system, leavers, and exit processes — ensuring every transition is handled professionally, consistently, and compliantly.
- HR Systems: You are part of how decisions get made.
- The opportunity to build and shape a function as the business grows, rather than inheriting legacy processes you cannot change.
- Diverse, complex, and technically interesting work across engineering, heavy transport, offshore, and international markets.
- A growing, ambitious business with good people, real work, and a culture worth protecting.
- This is a hands-on, collaborative role that is primarily office and site-based at our newly refurbished HQ in Blyth, working closely with leadership and operational teams.
- Flexibility is supported where practical, but visibility within the business and engagement with teams on the ground are considered important to success in the position.
Qualifications
Head of People in Northumberland employer: Harlyn
Harlyn Solutions is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its people, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong commitment to employee engagement and a hands-on approach to HR, this role provides the unique opportunity to shape the people function in a rapidly growing engineering-led transportation company. Located in Blyth, employees benefit from a supportive culture that values flexibility while ensuring visibility and connection with teams across diverse and complex projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of People in Northumberland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. The more you engage, the better your chances of landing that Head of People role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality during interviews! Harlyn Solutions values a hands-on approach, so let your passion for people shine through. Share stories that highlight your experience in managing the employee lifecycle effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss real-life scenarios! Be ready to talk about how you've handled employee relations or developed HR policies in the past. This will demonstrate your operational leadership skills and fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Harlyn team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of People in Northumberland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for People:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for people shine through! We want to see how you genuinely care about supporting and developing individuals throughout their journey with us.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don’t just list your previous roles; share specific examples of how you've owned the employee lifecycle. We love hearing about real situations where you’ve made a difference in HR operations!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect our values and the specifics of the Head of People role. Show us that you understand what we do and how you can contribute to our growth.
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 this exciting opportunity at Harlyn Solutions!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harlyn
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Harlyn Solutions. Understand their core values, recent projects, and how they approach complex transportation challenges. This knowledge will not only impress but also help you align your answers with their mission.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As the Head of People, your ability to connect with others is crucial. Prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing the employee lifecycle, resolving conflicts, and fostering a positive workplace culture. Be ready to discuss how you've supported and developed teams in previous roles.
✨Be Ready for Operational Scenarios
Expect questions that assess your operational HR skills. Think about specific situations where you’ve successfully managed onboarding, appraisals, or employee relations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Collaboration
Harlyn values hands-on leadership and collaboration. Share instances where you’ve worked closely with teams on the ground or adapted to changing circumstances. Highlight your commitment to being visible and engaged within the business, as this will resonate well with their culture.
