Head of HR - Interim in Leeds

Head of HR - Interim in Leeds

Leeds Temporary 50000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead HR strategy and manage a small team in a dynamic public sector environment.
  • Company: Values-driven charity organisation focused on education and community impact.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hybrid working, and impactful leadership role.
  • Other info: Opportunity for strategic influence and career growth in a supportive environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in a meaningful role while shaping HR practices.
  • Qualifications: Significant HR leadership experience and strong knowledge of UK employment law.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.

We are partnering with a public sector organisation to appoint an experienced Interim Head of HR to lead the delivery of a comprehensive HR service across the organisation. This is a pivotal leadership role, responsible for ensuring legal compliance, driving HR strategy, and supporting organisational change. You will work closely with senior leaders to shape and deliver a forward-thinking people strategy while managing a small HR team and overseeing complex casework and transformation activity.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the development, implementation, and review of the organisation's HR Strategy, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities.
  • Manage and conclude an ongoing restructure and redundancy process within a subsidiary organisation.
  • Ensure compliance with employment law and relevant legislation, advising senior leaders and Trustees on risks and required actions.
  • Undertake a review of pay and benefits in line with sector guidelines and support implementation.
  • Oversee the development and approval of HR policies, including a probation policy aligned to the Employment Rights Act 2026.
  • Ensure robust processes and risk assessments are in place to meet obligations around the prevention of sexual harassment.
  • Provide expert advice on recruitment, performance management, succession planning, and workforce development.
  • Act as a senior escalation point for complex employee relations matters, working with unions and external stakeholders as required.
  • Lead, manage and develop the HR team, ensuring high performance and continuous improvement.
  • Oversee HR systems, data management, and reporting, including providing updates to the board.
  • Drive employee engagement, wellbeing initiatives, and promote equality, diversity and inclusion across the organisation.

What You'll Need to Succeed

  • Significant HR leadership experience within the public or not-for-profit sector (desirable).
  • Strong knowledge of UK employment law and upcoming legislative changes.
  • Proven experience leading organisational change, including restructures and workforce planning.
  • Track record of developing HR strategies, policies, and delivering best practice HR services.
  • Experience managing HR teams and supporting complex employee relations casework.
  • Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at senior leadership and board level.
  • Commitment to equality, diversity, and maintaining strict confidentiality.

What You'll Get in Return

  • Opportunity to play a key leadership role within a values-driven education organisation.
  • A varied and impactful interim assignment with strategic and operational scope.
  • Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.

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 - Interim in Leeds employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education

As an Interim Head of HR within a values-driven public sector organisation, you will find a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and engagement. The role offers flexible hybrid working arrangements and the opportunity to lead impactful HR initiatives that shape the future of the organisation, while also providing avenues for professional growth and development in a meaningful sector.

Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education

Contact Details:

Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of HR - Interim in Leeds

Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies

Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.

Network at HR Events and Workshops

Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!

Showcase Your Flexibility

In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!

Apply Directly Through Our Website

Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of HR - Interim in Leeds

HR Strategy Development
Legal Compliance
Change Management
Restructuring
UK Employment Law
Employee Relations
Stakeholder Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!

Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!

Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!

Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education

Showcase Your Adaptability

Given that this is a temporary HR role at Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.

Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools

Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.

Your Motivation Matters

As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education.

Prepare for Real-World Scenarios

HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education.