Senior HR Director - UK&I in London

Senior HR Director - UK&I in London

London Full-Time 40000 - 200500 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead HR strategies and drive talent management for Microsoft in the UK&I.
  • Company: Join Microsoft, a global leader in technology and innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work arrangements, and comprehensive health benefits.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth in a fast-paced environment.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of HR while making a real impact on a diverse workforce.
  • Qualifications: Experience in HR leadership and a strong understanding of UK employment laws.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 200500 £ per year.

Microsoft is on a path to growing all its businesses around the world and the United Kingdom is a key part of that plan. Our presence in the UK encompasses the full complement of Microsoft business, including sales, engineering, gaming, support, consulting, marketing and much more, with approximately 6,000 employees in the geo. You will report to the VP HR for EMEA and partner with the Commercial CVP of the UK&I, and CVPs for EMEA SE&O and CCS, all in Global Enterprise Sales (GES). The role has a team of 5 direct reports, who drive the people strategy across UK&I Global Enterprise Sales and EMEA SE&O and CCS businesses. You will also partner closely with all HR COEs to lift the One HR model for the UK&I.

Primary responsibilities include:

  • Business partnership, leadership effectiveness, employee engagement, cultural stewardship, and driving talent and cultural (including diversity) focused strategies across the region.
  • Developing, managing, implementing, and integrating these strategies in support of the region’s growth and success.
  • Develop business relationships with the UK&I Commercial leadership team and inspire and lead the full HR function for the Geo.
  • Help redefine how HR partners the business, embedding AI into HR workflows, workforce insights and decision-making to raise strategic impact, quality and productivity.

Responsibilities:

  • Strategic Talent Management: Enable the business to attract, retain and develop world-changing talent to achieve business results today and in the future.
  • Organizational Effectiveness: Partner with and enable leaders to develop high-functioning organisations to achieve business goals and build inclusive culture.
  • Leadership Effectiveness: Identify, develop and align leaders that can shift culture and drive business transformation and impact.
  • Country/Geo HR Governance, Crisis Management & Business Continuity: Provide executive oversight of country/geo HR accountabilities across the UK.
  • Legislative, Compliance, & Policy Governance: Lead the UK portfolio of legislative and compliance work, ensuring Microsoft meets its obligations across employment law.
  • People Management: Lead people and HR capability through model, coach and care.

Critical Competencies for Success:

  • Organizational Leadership: Builds senior leaders, leadership teams, and organizations that adapt to external market changes.
  • Executive Maturity: Effectively manages self and relationships under stress.
  • Judgment: Frames complex problems and holds self and other leaders accountable for solutions.
  • Collaboration: Drives alignment and teamwork within a team, department, or across organizational boundaries.
  • Influence for Impact: Creates enthusiasm and engagement with people at all levels of the organization.
  • Drive for Results: Tenaciously pursues positive outcomes, using effective approaches to solve problems.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Legal, Business, Psychology, or related field AND demonstrable experience with HR or related experience.
  • Proven people management/team leadership experience.
  • Knowledge of the UK and capability in the areas of organizational development, leadership development, performance management, integration of diversity and inclusion.
  • Experience partnering with a wide network of clients and across HR to deliver effective business solutions.
  • Demonstrated success in managing HR initiatives in a large, complex, matrixed, and global business environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in a fast-paced, global company of similar scale and complexity.
  • Proven transformation leadership, including transformation/work migration planning and execution.
  • Effective liaison between the global, regional, senior management, staff and other departments.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances.

Senior HR Director - UK&I in London employer: Microsoft

At Microsoft, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for the role of AI Business Solution Sales Manager. Our culture is rooted in innovation, inclusivity, and continuous learning, providing employees with ample opportunities for professional growth while working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. With a strong focus on collaboration and customer success, our team members are empowered to make a meaningful impact, supported by industry-leading resources and a commitment to employee development.

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Contact Details:

Microsoft Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior HR Director - UK&I in London

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 Microsoft!

Leverage Your University Connections

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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 Microsoft.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior HR Director - UK&I in London

Strategic Talent Management
Organisational Effectiveness
Leadership Development
Cultural Stewardship
Crisis Management
Legislative Compliance
Policy Governance

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

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

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 Microsoft.

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 Microsoft 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 Microsoft and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.