At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR strategy and transformation initiatives in a dynamic, high-impact organisation.
- Company: Join a complex organisation making a national and international impact.
- Benefits: Up to £90,000 salary, bonus, benefits, and matched pension up to 18%.
- Why this job: Shape the future of HR while influencing senior leaders and driving engagement.
- Qualifications: Senior HR experience with expertise in change management and UK employment law.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth and development.
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 in Fareham employer: Oakleaf
Contact Detail:
Oakleaf Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of HR in Fareham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company culture and values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their people strategy and organisational goals. We want to see that you can hit the ground running!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your professionalism.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application and gives you a better chance of standing out.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of HR in Fareham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of HR role. Highlight your experience in strategic HR partnership and organisational change, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your ability to influence and advise senior leaders.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share your passion for shaping people strategies and how your background aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your experience with employee engagement and transformation initiatives!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In both your CV and cover letter, emphasise your leadership capabilities. We want to see how you've developed high-performing teams and contributed to succession planning. Share stories that demonstrate your coaching and mentoring skills.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oakleaf
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of the Head of HR role. Brush up on strategic HR partnership, organisational change, and employee engagement strategies. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your expertise in HR business partnering and transformation initiatives. Highlight how you've influenced senior leaders and navigated complex environments, as this will resonate with what they’re looking for.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Come prepared with thoughtful questions about the company’s people strategy and culture. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the organisation aligns with your values and career goals.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your approach to coaching and developing high-performing teams. Share how you’ve built inclusive cultures and managed change effectively, as this is crucial for the role. They’ll want to see that you can inspire and lead others.