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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the people strategy and enhance employee experience in a high-growth organisation.
- Company: Join an award-winning, innovative company expanding rapidly across the Republic of Ireland.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, hybrid working, and professional development support.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a dynamic workplace and make a real impact on employee culture.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in senior HR roles, CIPD qualified, with strong talent management experience.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team driving strategic growth and employee engagement.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
MCS Group is delighted to be working exclusively with a rapidly expanding, award-winning organisation with a strong footprint across the Republic of Ireland, to appoint a Head of People on a full-time, permanent basis. This is a pivotal moment in the company's journey - having tripled its turnover over the past three years and with a workforce of approximately 200 employees, the organisation is primed for its next stage of strategic growth. With multiple sites and a reputation for innovation and quality, they are now seeking a strong, strategic HR leader who can bring everything together and lead the people function into its next chapter.
The Role
As Head of People, you will drive the design and execution of a progressive people strategy that empowers growth, builds leadership capability, and enhances the overall employee experience. This is a high-impact leadership role requiring a hands-on, collaborative approach. You’ll be at the heart of shaping the organisation’s talent agenda, with a particular focus on:
- Management development - building the capability of people managers across the organisation
- Talent management - creating clear and structured career pathways to support internal progression and succession
- Talent acquisition - developing strategies to attract the right talent in a competitive market
- Employer Value Proposition (EVP) - leading creative and engaging initiatives to position the organisation as an employer of choice
You’ll lead a small, capable HR team and work closely with senior leaders across all sites in the Republic of Ireland to embed a consistent, high-performance people culture.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and delivery of the people strategy, aligned with business goals
- Act as a unifying force across HR activities - bringing together talent, development, and culture
- Design and roll out structured management development programmes to build leadership capability
- Build and implement effective succession planning and career development frameworks
- Own and evolve the talent acquisition strategy, ensuring the right people join at the right time
- Develop and amplify a compelling employer brand, using innovative approaches to showcase EVP
- Act as a trusted partner to the senior leadership team, providing guidance and challenge as needed
- Drive employee engagement and shape an inclusive, forward-thinking workplace culture
The Person
We’re looking for a confident, strategic HR leader with the ability to unify and lead across multiple HR disciplines - someone who can zoom out to see the big picture while delivering practical, people-focused outcomes. You’ll bring:
- At least 5 years’ experience in a senior HR leadership role, ideally within a fast-paced, multi-site environment
- Proven experience in talent management, leadership development, and talent acquisition
- A track record of creating and embedding impactful people strategies
- The creativity and insight to shape and elevate an Employer Value Proposition (EVP)
- Strong stakeholder management and the ability to influence at a senior level
- A collaborative, hands-on approach and the ability to build momentum and engagement across the business
- CIPD qualification
The Package
The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary and benefits package, including a car, alongside the opportunity to lead and shape the people function in a scaling, future-focused organisation. There is clear progression potential as the team and structure evolve.
To Apply
To speak in absolute confidence about this opportunity, please send your CV via the link provided or contact Ryan Calvert (Assoc. CIPD), HR Recruitment Specialist at MCS Group, on 028 9023 5456. Even if this role isn’t quite right, MCS Group has a wide range of opportunities available - please visit www.mcsgroup.jobs to explore more.
MCS Group is committed to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion for all, being the first recruitment agency in NI to achieve Bronze Diversity Mark accreditation. If you have a disability which means you require a reasonable adjustment to be considered at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us and we will endeavour to facilitate the request.
Head of People - South Down employer: MCS Group | Your Specialist Recruitment Consultancy
Contact Detail:
MCS Group | Your Specialist Recruitment Consultancy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of People - South Down
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the HR field, especially those who have experience in multi-site environments. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in people management.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the organisation's current people strategy and identify areas where you can add value. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully implemented similar strategies in your previous roles to demonstrate your capability.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the company's Employer Value Proposition (EVP) and think creatively about how you could enhance it. Consider innovative approaches that could position the organisation as an employer of choice in a competitive market.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you foster collaboration within teams. Be ready to share examples of how you've built momentum and engagement across diverse groups in previous roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of People - South Down
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in HR leadership, particularly in multi-site environments. Emphasise your achievements in talent management, leadership development, and creating impactful people strategies.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your strategic vision for the role. Discuss how your experience aligns with the company's goals and how you can contribute to their growth and employee engagement.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your CIPD qualification and any other relevant certifications. Mention your years of experience in senior HR roles and how they have prepared you for this position.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, describe your collaborative approach to leadership. Provide examples of how you've successfully led teams and influenced stakeholders at a senior level.
How to prepare for a job interview at MCS Group | Your Specialist Recruitment Consultancy
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
As a Head of People, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to think strategically. Prepare to discuss how you would align the people strategy with the organisation's growth goals and share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully implemented such strategies.
✨Highlight Leadership Development Experience
Given the focus on management development in this role, be ready to talk about your experience in building leadership capabilities. Share specific programmes you've designed or led that have resulted in measurable improvements in leadership effectiveness.
✨Discuss Talent Acquisition Strategies
The organisation is looking for innovative ways to attract talent. Prepare to discuss your approach to talent acquisition, including any creative initiatives you've implemented to enhance the employer brand and attract top candidates in competitive markets.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Stakeholder Management
This role requires a collaborative approach across multiple sites. Be prepared to provide examples of how you've effectively managed relationships with senior leaders and influenced decision-making in previous roles, showcasing your ability to unify HR activities.
