At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR strategy and operations for a dynamic UK workforce.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to work in a founder-led environment.
- Why this job: Be the key HR leader shaping the future of our UK team.
- Qualifications: Proven HR experience and strong knowledge of UK employment law.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
London | 4 days per week onsite initially, reducing to 3 days per week
About the Role
- Director of HR, UK
- London | 4 days per week onsite initially, reducing to 3 days per week
About the Role
We're looking for an experienced, standalone HR professional to take on the newly created role of Director of HR, UK.
This is a true generalist leadership position, you will be the most senior HR presence in the UK, owning everything from day‑to‑day employee relations through to senior stakeholder management, while a wider HR team based in the US is on hand to support with group‑level or particularly complex matters.
This role suits someone who has genuinely operated as a standalone HR function before, comfortable being the only HR person in the room, confident making autonomous decisions, and able to flex seamlessly between strategic partnership and hands‑on execution.
Key Responsibilities
- HR Business Partnership & Leadership
- Act as the primary HR advisor to leaders and employees across the UK business.
- Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, coaching and influencing on people matters.
- Partner with managers on organisational effectiveness, team performance, and workforce planning.
- Balance commercial objectives with sound HR practice and legal compliance.
- Confidently challenge and influence leaders while remaining collaborative and solutions-focused.
- Employee Relations & Employment Law
- Lead employee relations across the UK workforce, including investigations, disciplinaries, grievances, performance management and absence.
- Ensure compliance with UK employment legislation and company policy at all times.
- Escalate and partner with the US HR team on sensitive, complex, or group-level matters.
- Organisational Development & HR Operations
- Own the development and implementation of HR processes, programmes and policies for the UK.
- Drive consistency in manager practice, documentation and people decision‑making.
- Maintain accurate, confidential HR records and documentation.
- Lead annual HR cycles, performance reviews, compensation planning, talent discussions and engagement initiatives.
- Talent Acquisition
- Lead full‑cycle recruitment for the UK business across permanent, fixed‑term and contractor hires.
- Partner with hiring managers to shape requirements and recruitment strategy.
- Own candidate experience and oversee onboarding and integration of new starters.
What We're Looking For
- Significant, progressive HR experience gained supporting UK-based workforces.
- Proven experience operating as a standalone HR function, covering everything from senior stakeholder management to day‑to‑day HR delivery.
- Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and best practice.
- Hands‑on experience leading employee relations casework and workplace investigations.
- A confident, independent operator who can manage competing priorities without close oversight.
- Excellent communication, relationship‑building and influencing skills.
- Ideally, experience gained within a founder‑led or entrepreneurial organisation.
- Background outside of the media, digital or related sectors is preferred.
- CIPD qualification or equivalent is desirable but not essential.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Director HR UK employer: Oakleaf Partnership
Join a prestigious five-star luxury hospitality group in Knightsbridge, London, where you will thrive in a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee engagement and development. As a People and Talent Specialist, you will have the opportunity to manage the full recruitment lifecycle while contributing to innovative talent initiatives, all within a supportive environment that values passion, personality, and creativity. With competitive daily rates and the flexibility of working from home on Fridays, this role offers a unique chance to grow your career in a high-profile organisation committed to excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director HR UK
✨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 Oakleaf Partnership!
✨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 Oakleaf Partnership.
We think you need these skills to ace Director HR UK
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 Oakleaf Partnership. 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 Oakleaf Partnership 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 Oakleaf Partnership. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Oakleaf Partnership'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 Oakleaf Partnership
✨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 Oakleaf Partnership.
✨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 Oakleaf Partnership 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 Oakleaf Partnership and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
