Head of HR in Leeds

Head of HR in Leeds

Leeds Full-Time 70000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Michael Page

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the HR function, shaping strategy and managing operations for a growing business.
  • Company: Established financial services organisation with a strong people-focused culture.
  • Benefits: Opportunity to influence people strategy and develop leadership capabilities.
  • Other info: High visibility role with exposure to Executive and Board stakeholders.
  • Why this job: Make a significant impact on business growth and foster a high-performing culture.
  • Qualifications: Proven HR leadership experience and CIPD qualification preferred.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.

This Head of HR role offers the opportunity to lead the full people agenda for a growing business, combining strategic leadership with a hands-on approach across HR operations, talent, employee relations, organisational development and change.

Reporting to the Group HR Director, you'll partner closely with senior stakeholders and the Board, lead and develop the HR team, and play a key role in shaping culture, management capability and business growth.

Client Details

Our client is a well-established and growing financial services organisation with an ambitious growth agenda and a strong people-focused culture.

As they continue to evolve, they are seeking an experienced Head of HR to lead the people function, partnering closely with senior leadership to deliver both strategic HR initiatives and operational excellence across the business.

This is a broad and highly visible leadership role, offering the opportunity to shape and deliver the people strategy while remaining hands-on across key areas including talent, employee relations, organisational development, leadership capability, performance management and change.

Leading a small HR team, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in supporting business growth, developing management capability and fostering a high-performing culture.

Description

Lead the overall HR function, ensuring delivery of both strategic and operational HR objectives.

Partner with senior leaders to align people strategy with business goals.

Take ownership of the full employee life cycle, including talent acquisition, performance management, employee relations, reward and development.

Provide expert guidance on complex people matters and employment legislation.

Drive leadership development, succession planning and management capability.

Lead organisational change, transformation and restructuring initiatives.

Oversee HR policies, processes and compliance to ensure best practice.

Use HR data and insights to support decision-making and business performance.

Lead, develop and mentor the HR team.

Champion a high-performance, people-centric culture across the organisation.

Profile

Proven experience leading an HR function within a complex organisation.

Strong strategic and operational HR capability.

CIPD qualified or equivalent.

Excellent knowledge of employment law and employee relations.

Experience coaching and influencing senior stakeholders and leadership teams.

Demonstrated success delivering HR projects and change initiatives.

Strong commercial awareness and business partnering skills.

Confident operating in a fast-paced environment and managing competing priorities.

Experience within Financial Services or another regulated environment would be advantageous.

Data-driven, pragmatic and solutions-focused with strong leadership presence.

Job Offer

Opportunity to shape and influence the people agenda at a senior level.

Broad remit covering strategy, operations, leadership and organisational development.

High visibility role with regular exposure to Executive and Board stakeholders.

Chance to make a significant impact within a growing and evolving business

Head of HR in Leeds employer: Michael Page

At Michael Page, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that champions community impact through our Social Value Lead role. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing employees with ample opportunities for professional growth while making a meaningful difference in the property industry. Located in a vibrant area, we offer competitive salaries and a commitment to employee well-being, ensuring that you thrive both personally and professionally.

Michael Page

Contact Details:

Michael Page Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of HR in Leeds

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 Michael Page!

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 Michael Page.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of HR in Leeds

Strategic HR Leadership
HR Operations Management
Talent Acquisition
Employee Relations
Organisational Development
Change Management
Performance Management

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 Michael Page. 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 Michael Page 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 Michael Page. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Michael Page'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 Michael Page

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 Michael Page.

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 Michael Page 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 Michael Page and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.