At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR strategy and drive organisational effectiveness in a multi-site business.
- Company: Heidelberg Materials UK, a leader in sustainable construction materials.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, private healthcare, generous holiday, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to innovation and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on people strategy and drive transformation in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Senior HR leadership experience and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
Heidelberg Materials UK (formerly Hanson UK) is one of the UK’s largest suppliers of construction materials, employing over 4,000 people and operating around 300 manufacturing sites in the UK. We are committed to building a more sustainable future and recognise that a diverse workforce is vital to our growth and advancement. We aim to promote a culture that values openness, transparency and individual achievement. At the centre of our actions lies the responsibility for the environment. As the front runner on the path to carbon neutrality and circular economy in the building materials industry, we are working on sustainable building materials and solutions for the future. We enable new opportunities for our customers through digitalisation.
This is an exceptional opportunity for an accomplished HR leader to join Heidelberg Materials UK as HR Director, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer UK. As a key member of the UK Executive Team, you will lead the people agenda for a complex, multi-site business employing thousands of colleagues across the country. Partnering closely with the CEO, Executive Committee and Managing Directors, you will ensure our people strategy enables sustainable business growth, organisational performance and long‑term capability. This is a highly influential leadership role combining strategic direction with operational excellence. You'll lead an established HR function, drive transformation and change initiatives, strengthen organisational capability and deliver a people agenda that creates measurable business impact.
The Opportunity
As HR Director, you will be the trusted adviser to the CEO and senior leadership team on all aspects of people, culture and organisational effectiveness. You'll provide leadership across talent, succession, reward, employee relations, workforce planning and engagement, ensuring the business has the capability needed to achieve its strategic ambitions. Alongside shaping future direction, you'll oversee the delivery of high‑quality HR services, systems and governance, while leading and developing a high‑performing HR team that supports our operations across the UK.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the delivery of the UK people plan, ensuring alignment with both country objectives and Group HR strategy.
- Partner with the CEO, Executive Committee and senior leaders to drive organisational effectiveness and strategic workforce planning.
- Provide leadership on culture, employee engagement, communication and organisational change initiatives.
- Oversee talent management, succession planning, reward, performance management and people analytics.
- Ensure HR systems, data and processes are effective, compliant and aligned with business requirements.
- Lead employee relations strategy, including engagement with trade unions, employee representatives and employee forums.
- Ensure robust governance across employment relations, payroll interfaces, pensions, employment tax, data management and external HR partnerships.
- Drive continuous improvement across HR service delivery and operational effectiveness.
- Lead, develop and inspire the HR team, building capability and ensuring a high‑performing function.
About You
You are an experienced HR executive with the credibility, commercial acumen and leadership capability to influence at board and executive level. You will bring:
- Significant experience in a senior HR leadership position within a complex, multi‑site organisation.
- A strong track record of translating business objectives into effective people strategies and action plans.
- Experience leading transformation, organisational design and change management programmes.
- Deep employee relations expertise, including working with unions and employee representative groups.
- Strong knowledge of HR operations, governance, systems and continuous improvement.
- Outstanding stakeholder management and communication skills with the ability to challenge and influence senior leaders.
- A pragmatic, results‑focused approach combined with sound judgement and strong decision‑making capability.
- Experience leading and developing high‑performing HR teams.
What's in it for You?
This is a unique opportunity to influence people strategy at the highest level of the organisation and make a lasting impact on the future success of Heidelberg Materials UK. You'll join a business that is investing in its people, transformation and future growth, with the opportunity to work alongside an experienced executive team and lead a talented HR function through its next chapter.
Education
University degree or equivalent senior leadership experience.
Why Join us?
At Heidelberg Materials, we don’t just offer jobs—we build careers. As a global leader in construction materials, we’re committed to innovation, sustainability, and, above all, our people. We’re proud to be recognised as an Employer of Choice, with accreditations including: Armed Forces Covenant (Gold) | Disability Confident | 5% Club (Platinum) | Mates in Mind | Clear Assured | STEM Ambassador | MPQC Member.
Competitive Package: Salary, bonus incentives, generous pension, and life assurance.
Work-Life Balance: 27 days holiday (plus bank holidays), agile/flexible working, holiday purchase, and sabbatical options, Season and travel ticket loans.
Family‑Friendly Policies: Enhanced support for maternity, paternity, adoption, IVF, neonatal care, and menopause.
Inclusive Culture: Paid volunteering day and active employee communities (LGBTQ+, Women in STEM, Armed Forces, and more).
Wellbeing & Development: Employee Assistance Programme, retail discounts, and continuous learning opportunities.
Human Resources Director in Maidenhead employer: Heidelberg Materials UK
Heidelberg Materials UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and sustainability in the construction materials sector. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have ample opportunities for growth and advancement while working alongside a dedicated team focused on operational excellence. Located in a vibrant area, our company fosters a collaborative environment where your contributions directly impact the future of aggregates and recycling.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Human Resources Director in Maidenhead
✨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 Heidelberg Materials UK!
✨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 Heidelberg Materials UK.
We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Director in Maidenhead
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 Heidelberg Materials UK. 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 Heidelberg Materials UK 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 Heidelberg Materials UK. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Heidelberg Materials UK'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 Heidelberg Materials UK
✨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 Heidelberg Materials UK.
✨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 Heidelberg Materials UK 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 Heidelberg Materials UK and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
