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- Tasks: Lead HR operations and develop strategies for a diverse workforce.
- Company: Major UK employer focused on people-driven culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a commitment to employee engagement.
- Why this job: Shape a thriving workplace and drive meaningful change across multiple sites.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior HR roles within large-scale, blue-collar environments.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to values-led leadership and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Head of Human Resources
Do you have a track record of leading large-scale HR operations, engaging blue-collar and frontline teams, and influencing senior leaders to drive meaningful change?
Are you confident delivering transformation in fast-paced, multi-site environments — balancing commercial imperatives with a strong commitment to culture, engagement, and values-led leadership?
Have you shaped people strategies that not only deliver business performance but also strengthen trust and belonging across diverse workforces?
MacGregor Black is proud to partner with a major UK employer, a multi-site, operationally complex and people-driven organisation in the search for a Head of HR. This is a critical leadership role within the HR function, responsible for driving a consistent, commercially aligned, and people-centred approach to business partnering.
As Head of HR, you’ll lead and develop a team of HR Business Partners supporting large-scale, blue-collar and operational divisions across the UK.
You’ll act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, ensuring HR is positioned as both a strategic enabler and a hands-on operational partner. Your leadership will help shape a culture of accountability, engagement, and performance — from boardroom to shop floor.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and develop the HR team to deliver high-impact, consistent support across all operational sites.
- Partner with executive and operational leadership to design and deliver people strategies that drive productivity, engagement, and sustainable growth.
- Act as a strategic advisor on organisational design, workforce planning, succession, and capability development.
- Champion employee engagement across a large blue-collar workforce, embedding a culture of inclusion, safety, and values-led leadership.
- Provide expert guidance on complex ER issues, union engagement, and collective consultation, ensuring compliance and pragmatic risk management.
- Lead and support large-scale change initiatives — including restructures, TUPE, and transformation programmes — ensuring people experience and communication remain front and centre.
- Leverage HR data and analytics to track impact, identify trends, and inform business decisions.
- Coach, mentor and empower HR Business Partners and regional HR teams to build confidence, capability, and consistency across the function.
- Drive continuous improvement in HR processes and policies, aligning operational excellence with strategic objectives.
What We\’re Looking For:
- Significant experience in a senior HR leadership or business partnering role within a large-scale, multi-site, blue-collar environment (e.g. logistics, manufacturing, distribution, or services).
- Proven ability to partner with operational and executive teams to deliver measurable, commercially focused HR outcomes.
- Strong understanding of UK employment law, employee relations, and unionised environments.
- Demonstrated success in leading major change programmes (restructures, TUPE, transformation).
- Strategic, analytical and data-driven — able to balance insight with pragmatism.
- Inspirational leader with the ability to develop high-performing HR teams and influence at all levels.
- Resilient, values-driven and committed to creating workplaces where people thrive and businesses succeed.
For more information, contact Alice Redmond today.
Head of Human Resources employer: MacGregor Black
Contact Detail:
MacGregor Black Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Human Resources
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the HR field. Attend industry events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Since this role is all about people and engagement, think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven change and fostered a positive workplace.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during the interview process. This role requires someone who can inspire and develop teams, so be sure to highlight your past successes in leading HR initiatives and how you’ve influenced senior leaders to make impactful decisions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in HR. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you a leg up in the hiring process, as it shows your genuine interest in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Human Resources
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in leading HR operations and engaging with blue-collar teams. We want to see how you've influenced senior leaders and driven change in similar environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us about your passion for people strategies and how you've shaped cultures of engagement and trust. Be sure to connect your past experiences with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to deliver measurable HR outcomes. We love numbers, so if you can quantify your impact, do it! This will help us see the value you can bring to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
How to prepare for a job interview at MacGregor Black
✨Know Your HR Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK employment law and employee relations. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated complex ER issues in the past, especially in unionised environments. This will show that you’re not just a leader but also a knowledgeable partner.
✨Showcase Your Change Management Skills
Prepare examples of major change initiatives you've led, like restructures or transformation programmes. Highlight how you kept people at the centre of these changes, ensuring communication and experience were prioritised. This will demonstrate your ability to balance operational needs with a people-focused approach.
✨Engagement is Key
Be ready to talk about how you've championed employee engagement, particularly in blue-collar settings. Share specific strategies you've implemented to foster inclusion and safety, and how these have positively impacted culture and performance across teams.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Familiarise yourself with how to leverage HR data and analytics. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to track impact, identify trends, and inform business decisions. This will show that you can combine strategic insight with practical application, which is crucial for the role.
