At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the people strategy and drive organisational effectiveness in a growing business.
- Company: Dynamic organisation with a multi-site presence and ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Influence at the highest level and shape a thriving workplace culture.
- Other info: Join a senior leadership team and enjoy excellent career visibility.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on leadership capability and employee engagement.
- Qualifications: Proven HR leadership experience in large, complex organisations.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and strategically focused Head of HR to join a successful, ambitious and growing organisation operating across a large, multi-site footprint.
As a key member of the senior leadership team, you will be responsible for defining and delivering the people strategy, ensuring it supports the organisation's long-term commercial objectives and future growth plans. This is a role for a genuine strategic HR leader. We are looking for someone who can influence at executive level, drive organisational effectiveness, strengthen leadership capability and create a high-performing culture, rather than someone whose experience has been primarily operational.
The Role
You will lead the development and execution of the people agenda, ensuring the business has the leadership capability, organisational structure and culture required to achieve its ambitions. Key areas of focus will include:
- Developing and delivering a forward-thinking People Strategy aligned to business goals
- Driving organisational development and workforce planning initiatives
- Enhancing leadership capability and building robust succession plans
- Creating and embedding a high-performance culture
- Leading employee engagement and retention strategies
- Supporting business transformation and organisational change programmes
- Using people insights and data to inform strategic decision-making
- Influencing senior stakeholders and Board members on people-related matters
- Building an environment that attracts, develops and retains top talent
About You
We are seeking a commercially minded HR leader with a proven track record of operating at a strategic level within a large, complex, multi-site organisation. You will possess:
- Significant senior HR leadership experience
- Experience gained within a large commercial organisation
- A strong strategic mindset with the ability to translate business objectives into people strategies
- Expertise in organisational development, culture, leadership development and succession planning
- Experience leading business change and transformation initiatives
- Strong commercial acumen and business partnering skills
- The credibility and presence to influence senior executives and Board-level stakeholders
- A passion for developing people, shaping culture and driving organisational performance
Why Apply?
This is a rare opportunity to join a business where you will have genuine influence and visibility at the highest level. You'll play a critical role in shaping the future direction of the organisation, creating a culture where people thrive and ensuring the business has the leadership capability and organisational strength to achieve its long-term ambitions.
If you're a strategic HR leader looking for an opportunity to make a lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Head of HR in Northampton employer: Hays HR
As a Strategic Account Manager with our established organisation, you will be part of a dynamic team that values innovation and leadership in a transformative environment. We offer a collaborative work culture that encourages professional growth and development, alongside competitive benefits that support your well-being. Join us to make a meaningful impact while building long-term partnerships in a role that is both challenging and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of HR in Northampton
✨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 Hays HR!
✨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 Hays HR.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of HR in Northampton
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 Hays HR. 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 Hays HR 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 Hays HR. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Hays HR'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 Hays HR
✨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 Hays HR.
✨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 Hays HR 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 Hays HR and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
