At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR for a dynamic engineering firm, tackling complex people challenges.
- Company: Established international engineering business with a global presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, car allowance, and significant autonomy.
- Other info: Extensive UK travel required; ideal for ambitious leaders ready for a challenge.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing organisation while enjoying leadership visibility.
- Qualifications: CIPD qualified with senior HR experience in engineering or similar fields.
£60,000 - £70,000 + £8,000-£10,000 Bonus + £6,750 Car Allowance
Nottinghamshire - 60% UK Travel, 40% Home-Based & Ad Hoc European Travel
Permanent & Full Time
SF Partners are delighted to be exclusively retained on an exciting Head of HR opportunity with a well established international engineering business that forms part of a larger global group. Employing approximately 400 people across the UK, the business sits within the wider Europe region, working closely with teams across Spain, Germany and the Netherlands.
We're looking for a commercially minded HR leader who thrives in ambiguity, enjoys solving complex people challenges and is comfortable operating independently. You'll join the Senior Leadership Team and take ownership of the entire UK HR agenda, leading a close knit HR, Payroll and Talent team whilst partnering directly with the Managing Director. This is not a role for someone who likes structure, process and certainty.
You'll need the confidence to challenge, the resilience to revisit ideas when timing isn't right, and the ability to make sound decisions in a fast-moving environment where priorities can change quickly.
Key responsibilities:- Lead the HR function across a 400-headcount UK business.
- Partner with the MD and SLT on people strategy, workforce planning and organisational development.
- Lead complex ER matters, settlement agreements, ACAS cases and employment tribunals in-house.
- Manage relationships with Unite and employee representatives, supporting a unionised workforce.
- Drive retention initiatives within a specialist engineering population where skills are in high demand.
- Lead and develop a team spanning HR, Payroll and Talent Acquisition.
- Oversee payroll, benefits and reward programmes, including insurance, wellbeing and life assurance renewals.
- Partner with European HR teams and shared service functions.
- Identify gaps, improve processes and strengthen areas of HR that have historically lacked focus or investment.
- Build strong relationships across the UK through regular travel and face-to-face engagement with employees and managers.
- CIPD qualified
- Experienced in a senior HR leadership role within engineering, manufacturing, industrial or similarly operational environments
- Strong employee relations and industrial relations expertise
- Experience working within a unionised environment
- Comfortable managing risk, leading difficult conversations and making commercially balanced decisions
- Comfortable operating in the "grey" and finding solutions without constant direction
- Confident influencing stakeholders at all levels
- Happy travelling extensively across the UK to build credibility and relationships on-site.
This is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious HR leader looking to make a genuine impact within a growing international organisation whilst enjoying significant autonomy and visibility at SLT level.
Candidates should be located within a reasonable commute of North Nottinghamshire and able to attend the office regularly.
1st stage interviews will commence via Teams from w/c 15th July.
Head of HR in Nottingham employer: SF Partners
Join a dynamic international engineering business that values innovation and autonomy, offering a competitive salary package alongside generous bonuses and car allowances. With a strong focus on employee development and a collaborative work culture, this role provides the unique opportunity to lead HR initiatives across the UK while engaging with teams across Europe. Embrace the challenge of shaping the HR landscape in a fast-paced environment where your contributions will be recognised and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of HR in Nottingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field, especially those in engineering or manufacturing. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how you’d handle complex employee relations issues or lead a team through change. We recommend practising with a friend or using mock interviews to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your adaptability! In your conversations, highlight times when you've thrived in ambiguity or made tough decisions under pressure. This will resonate well with employers looking for someone who can navigate the grey areas.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged in their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of HR in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in HR leadership, especially in engineering or similar sectors. We want to see how your skills align with the needs of our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've tackled complex HR challenges and led teams successfully.
Showcase Your People Skills:In your application, don’t forget to highlight your ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders. We’re looking for someone who can navigate the 'grey' areas of HR, so share your experiences in managing difficult conversations.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come in directly!
How to prepare for a job interview at SF Partners
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of the Head of HR role. Brush up on your knowledge of employee relations, union negotiations, and workforce planning. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re ready to take on the challenges of the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you’ve successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific examples where you’ve navigated ambiguity or solved complex people challenges. This will help demonstrate your fit for a role that requires strong decision-making and resilience.
✨Engage with the Company Culture
Research the company’s culture and values, especially since it operates within a global group. Be ready to explain how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to fostering a positive work environment, particularly in a unionised setting.
✨Prepare for Travel Discussions
Since the role involves significant travel across the UK and potentially Europe, be prepared to discuss your flexibility and willingness to engage with teams on-site. Highlight any previous experiences where you’ve built relationships through face-to-face interactions, as this will be crucial for the role.
