Head of HR

Salary: up to £55k

Location: Central Reading

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)

Hybrid Working: One day in the office per week

We are delighted to be working with a well-established organisation in central Reading, who are looking to appoint an experienced Head of HR to strategically lead their HR function. This is an excellent opportunity for a CIPD Level 7 qualified HR professional with a strong generalist background and a passion for delivering a first-class HR service.

The opportunity

As Head of HR, you will oversee the full HR remit including policy implementation, employee relations, compliance, and HR process improvements. You will work closely with the Senior Executive Team to ensure the HR function aligns with business objectives. You will also manage a small HR team, supporting their development and ensuring the delivery of a high-quality HR service. This role offers the chance to make a real impact in an evolving organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement HR policies and procedures, ensuring compliance and best practice.
• Lead on TUPE transfers and collective bargaining agreements, supporting the business in a unionised environment.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and long-term sickness frameworks.
• Manage and develop a team of HR Administrators, Generalists and an HR Manager.
• Drive HR process transformation, including system upgrades and efficiency improvements.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and safer recruitment policies.
• Work closely with senior stakeholders to develop and execute HR strategies aligned with business goals.
• Oversee payroll administration, working collaboratively with finance teams.
• Provide HR reporting and analysis on workforce metrics such as turnover, absence, ER case management, and gender pay gap.
• Support employee engagement initiatives, including satisfaction surveys and training programs.
• Lead on complex employee relations cases, restructures, and disciplinary matters.
• Represent the organisation in audits, regulatory reviews, and compliance reporting.
• Support social value initiatives, including apprenticeship and volunteer programs.

Your experience

• CIPD Level 7 qualification.
• Proven experience leading an HR function in a complex organisation.
• Strong understanding of employment law, HR compliance, and best practice.
• Previous experience managing HR in a unionised environment.
• A strategic mindset, with the ability to drive HR transformation and process improvements.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to manage and develop a team.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A proactive, problem-solving approach with the ability to influence at all levels.

In return you will have

• The opportunity to join a forward-thinking organisation during an exciting period of growth.
• A key leadership role where you can make a tangible impact.
• A collaborative and supportive working environment.
• The chance to develop HR processes and lead on strategic initiatives.

If you are a strategic and forward thinking HR professional looking for your next challenge, we’d love to hear from you! To apply, please submit your CV or contact us for more information.