At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR operations and deliver key people projects across multiple sites.
- Company: Join a growing, family-oriented SME with an entrepreneurial spirit.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, private medical, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for autonomy and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a genuine impact in a visible role with ambitious growth plans.
- Qualifications: Strong generalist HR experience and ability to influence stakeholders.
The predicted salary is between 41000 - 50000 £ per year.
Salary: Circa £70,000 plus bonus and private medical.
Location: Flexible. Candidates based anywhere along the M4 corridor will be considered. The business has several locations across the South West and Thames Valley and offers flexibility around office base and hybrid working.
About the business
This is a rare opportunity to join a growing, privately owned SME that has managed to retain its entrepreneurial spirit and family feel as it scales. Led by its founders, the business has built a strong reputation through the quality of its people, its values and its commitment to doing things the right way. Growth is continuing at pace, creating the need for an experienced HR professional who can help shape the next stage of the journey.
The role
Reporting into the HR Director, you will take ownership of the day to day HR operation while also leading and delivering key people projects across the business. This is a broad generalist role with real variety. You will partner closely with leaders, develop management capability, improve people processes and help shape a function that can support a growing workforce. The position offers a strong balance of operational and strategic work. Employee relations activity is relatively low, allowing greater focus on projects, leadership development and continuous improvement. You will also play an important role in supporting and developing a small HR team as the function continues to evolve.
What you'll be doing
- Leading day to day HR activity across multiple sites.
- Coaching and upskilling managers on people matters.
- Delivering HR projects that support business growth.
- Reviewing and improving policies, processes and ways of working.
- Supporting organisational change and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Acting as a trusted partner to leaders across the business.
What we're looking for
We're more interested in the person than a specific sector background. You could come from any fast paced, multi site environment. Experience within engineering, manufacturing, logistics, infrastructure, utilities or similar sectors would be beneficial but is by no means essential.
You’ll likely bring:
- Strong generalist HR experience.
- The confidence to build relationships and influence stakeholders.
- Experience supporting managers and developing leadership capability.
- A practical, hands on approach.
- The ability to operate effectively within a growing and evolving business.
- A genuine interest in culture, people and organisational development.
Why join?
This is an opportunity to step into a visible role where you can make a genuine impact. You'll join a business with ambitious growth plans, a collaborative leadership team and a culture that values personality, authenticity and common sense. For someone who enjoys building, improving and helping organisations scale successfully, this role offers plenty of challenge, autonomy and opportunity.
Head of HR in Bristol employer: Sanderson
Join a dynamic and growing privately owned SME that values its entrepreneurial spirit and family feel, even as it scales. With a strong commitment to employee development and a collaborative culture, this role offers the chance to make a significant impact while enjoying flexibility in your work location along the M4 corridor. You'll be part of a team that prioritises authenticity and continuous improvement, providing ample opportunities for personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of HR in Bristol
✨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 Sanderson!
✨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 Sanderson.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of HR in Bristol
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 Sanderson. 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 Sanderson 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 Sanderson. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Sanderson'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 Sanderson
✨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 Sanderson.
✨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 Sanderson 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 Sanderson and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
