At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR strategy and transformation in a dynamic, high-impact organisation.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking corporate environment with global reach.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £90,000, bonus, benefits, and generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of HR while influencing senior leaders and driving change.
- Qualifications: Senior HR experience, strong knowledge of employment law, and proven leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
An opportunity has arisen for a senior HR leader to play a pivotal role in shaping the people agenda across a complex, high-impact organisation operating at national and international scale. This is a highly influential position for an experienced HR Business Partnering leader who thrives at the intersection of strategy, transformation and employee engagement. The role partners closely with executive leaders, driving people and organisational strategies that enable delivery, growth and long-term sustainability.
The Head of HR will champion and deliver the People and Organisation strategy across a portfolio that includes corporate functions, major capital programmes and transformation initiatives. Acting as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, they will provide commercially astute, pragmatic guidance while leading a team of HR Business Partners and Advisors to deliver an outstanding partnering service. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys operating at pace, navigating complexity and influencing at the highest levels - while keeping people, culture and organisational effectiveness firmly at the centre.
Key Responsibilities- Strategic HR Partnership
- Shape and deliver people strategies aligned to business priorities and long-term objectives
- Act as a trusted coach and sounding board to executive leaders on workforce planning, organisational design and people risk
- Translate business strategy into clear, actionable people plans that drive performance and engagement
- Operational HR Leadership
- Serve as the primary link between the business areas and the wider HR function
- Ensure high-quality, consistent delivery across the full employee lifecycle, from recruitment to exit
- Oversee annual people processes including performance reviews, pay and reward cycles, promotions and organisational planning
- Organisational Change & Transformation
- Lead and support complex change initiatives including restructuring, operating model evolution and business transformation
- Provide expert guidance on consultation, engagement and change management best practice
- Ensure all change activity is compliant, well governed and employee-focused
- Employee Relations & Engagement
- Lead on complex employee relations matters, balancing pragmatism with risk management
- Build effective, professional relationships with employee representative bodies and forums
- Advise on collective consultation, dispute resolution and employment frameworks
- Growth, Integration & Global Expansion
- Support people strategy elements linked to growth, integration and entry into new markets
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on workforce planning and employment frameworks
- Help develop scalable, future-ready people processes that enable organisational maturity
- Policy, Governance & Compliance
- Ensure HR policies and practices remain compliant with employment legislation and best practice
- Advise leaders on employment risk, governance and contractual considerations
- Monitor legislative change and provide clear, actionable guidance
- Leadership, Capability & Team Development
- Coach and challenge leaders to build inclusive, high-performing teams
- Contribute to succession planning, talent development and capability building
- Lead, inspire and develop a high-performing team of HR professionals
- Play an active role in the wider HR leadership community, driving continuous improvement
About You
The successful candidate will be a credible and confident senior HR professional with experience operating in complex or fast-moving environments. They will bring:
- Proven experience in a senior HR Business Partnering role
- Strong expertise in organisational change, transformation and workforce redesign
- Deep knowledge of UK employment law and employee relations
- Experience working with trade unions or employee representative bodies
- A commercially astute, solutions-focused mindset
- The ability to influence and advise senior leaders on complex, sensitive issues
- Experience supporting growth, integration or operating model change
- Exposure to international or cross-border people initiatives
- Resilience, sound judgement and the confidence to operate with ambiguity
Qualifications
- Degree in Human Resources or a related discipline
- CIPD qualification or equivalent professional experience
Head of HR 12-month FTC in Fareham employer: Oakleaf Partnership
As a leading corporate entity in Fareham, Hampshire, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee engagement and development. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while our competitive package, including a generous pension scheme and bonus structure, reflects our commitment to rewarding talent. Join us to play a pivotal role in shaping our people strategy and drive meaningful transformation within a high-impact organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of HR 12-month FTC in Fareham
✨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 Head of HR 12-month FTC in Fareham
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.
