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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR strategy, manage employee lifecycle, and drive cultural transformation.
- Company: Join a respected British manufacturing icon with a proud heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and opportunity for impactful leadership.
- Why this job: Shape the future of people and culture in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Senior HR experience, CIPD Level 5 or above, and strong union engagement skills.
- Other info: Make a meaningful impact while working closely with the Board and Directors.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Shape the future of people, culture and craftsmanship at a British manufacturing icon. We are a long-established British manufacturer with a proud heritage, skilled workforce and a reputation built on quality, integrity and craftsmanship. As we look to the future, we are seeking an experienced Head of HR to play a pivotal role in shaping how our people experience work and how our culture supports sustainable performance.
This is a senior, stand-alone role, reporting directly to the Managing Director and closely with the Board and Directors. You will be the lead HR professional for the business, trusted to balance strategic leadership with hands-on delivery across a multi-site, unionised environment spanning both manufacturing and office-based teams. This role is about rebuilding trust, strengthening leadership capability and ensuring HR practices are modern, compliant, commercial and genuinely people-centred.
The Role
As Head of HR, you will own the full employee lifecycle and lead all people-related matters across the organisation. You will act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders, bring clarity to complex employee relations issues, and play a central role in organisational effectiveness and cultural transformation. This is a highly visible, predominantly on-site role, with an expectation of being present in the business four days per week. Building trust, credibility and strong relationships across manufacturing and office-based teams will be central to your success. You will attend Board meetings as a standing attendee and provide pragmatic, grounded advice on all HR and people decisions combining professional credibility with warmth, courage and integrity.
What You’ll Do
- HR Strategy & Leadership
- Own and deliver the HR strategy aligned to business objectives and long-term sustainability
- Partner closely with the Managing Director, Directors and Board as a trusted HR adviser
- Lead organisational design, workforce planning, succession planning and critical role identification
- Employee Lifecycle & Employee Relations
- Manage the full employee lifecycle, from recruitment and onboarding through to development, reward and exit
- Lead complex employee relations cases with confidence and fairness
- Build and maintain effective relationships with trade unions, leading consultation and negotiation activity
- Chair and lead the Works Council / Employee Representatives Forum
- Culture, Capability & Development
- Lead cultural change, embedding values-led behaviours and rebuilding trust across the organisation
- Design and deliver learning, training and development frameworks at all levels
- Act as an internal coach to Directors, Managers and Team Leaders
- Upskill managers in people leadership, performance conversations and engagement
- Engagement, Wellbeing & Communications
- Own internal communications, ensuring messaging is clear, consistent and engaging
- Lead company-wide communications including business updates, wellbeing initiatives and leadership messages
- Co-lead and present at quarterly company update meetings
- Own and drive the wellbeing strategy
- Chair the in-house Social Club, supporting engagement and community-building initiatives
- Governance, Compliance & Operations
- Ensure compliance with employment law, GDPR and data protection requirements
- Oversee payroll, HR administration and Health & Safety through coaching and assurance
- Chair Health & Safety meetings in partnership with the H&S Officer
- Use HR data, insight and technology to inform decisions and modernise HR practices
Who We’re Looking For
You’ll be a senior HR professional who is equally comfortable operating at Board level and being visible on the shop floor. You’ll bring gravitas without ego, warmth without losing boundaries, and the confidence to challenge constructively when needed.
You’ll Bring
- Deep, up-to-date HR expertise across all disciplines
- Strong experience working in a unionised environment
- A commercial mindset with a pragmatic, people-first approach
- Confidence influencing at Board, Director and operational level
- High levels of resilience, organisation and personal credibility
- A forward-thinking, tech-savvy approach to HR and people data
Experience & Qualifications
- CIPD Level 5 minimum (Level 7 desirable)
- Significant experience in a senior HR leadership role
- Background in manufacturing or a mixed blue-and white-collar environment
- Proven experience partnering at Executive and Board level
- Strong employee relations and union engagement background
- Experience leading culture change and organisational transformation
- Comfortable operating as a stand-alone HR leader with small specialist support
Why Join Us
- Join a globally recognised British heritage brand
- Take on a pivotal leadership role within a respected British manufacturing business
- Influence culture, capability and long-term organisational success
- Work closely with the Managing Director and Board
- Make a visible, meaningful impact on people and performance
- Competitive salary + benefits package
Head of HR in Lea employer: MarQue UK
Contact Detail:
MarQue UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of HR in Lea
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at the company you’re eyeing. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company’s culture, values, and recent news. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in shaping HR strategies and leading cultural change. Practise your answers to common questions, but also be ready for curveballs!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring examples of your past successes in HR leadership, especially in unionised environments. Be ready to discuss how you’ve rebuilt trust and led organisational transformations. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate your value!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After interviews, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the role and keep you top of mind. Plus, it shows you’re professional and courteous!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of HR in Lea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of HR role. Highlight your expertise in HR strategy, employee relations, and cultural transformation to show us you’re the perfect fit.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We want to see how you lead and influence others. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams, built trust, and navigated complex employee relations issues. This will help us understand your approach to leadership in a multi-site environment.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value warmth and integrity, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for people and culture. This is your chance to connect with us on a personal level!
Apply Through Our Website: To ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and keep track of your application throughout the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at MarQue UK
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the company's history, values, and recent developments. Understanding their heritage and how they operate will help you align your answers with their culture and demonstrate your genuine interest in shaping their future.
✨Prepare for Complex Scenarios
Given the role's focus on employee relations and union engagement, be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experiences. Think about challenging situations you've navigated and how you rebuilt trust or led cultural change, as these will be key topics during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
As a senior HR professional, you'll need to balance strategic leadership with hands-on delivery. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully aligned HR strategies with business objectives in previous roles, and be ready to share your vision for the future of HR in a manufacturing environment.
✨Engage with Authenticity
Building strong relationships is crucial for this role. During the interview, be yourself and communicate with warmth and integrity. Show that you can influence at all levels while maintaining boundaries, and express your commitment to fostering a people-centred culture.
