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.
HR Director
Maidenhead | Hybrid Working
Competitive Salary + Bonus + Company Car/Car Allowance, Private Healthcare, Pension and more
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.
Rewards & Benefits
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
Director Human Resources UK in Maidenhead employer: Heidelberg Materials
Heidelberg Materials is an excellent employer that values its staff by offering competitive pay and flexible working hours, making it ideal for those seeking a part-time role. The supportive work culture fosters teamwork and respect, while opportunities for personal growth and development are encouraged within the company. Located in Mold, employees benefit from a friendly environment that prioritises well-being and job satisfaction.
