At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and modernise the HR function, driving efficiency and organisational change.
- Company: Global manufacturing leader seeking a strategic Head of HR.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and opportunity to implement AI tools.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-performing HR role with growth potential.
- Qualifications: Significant HR experience, strong knowledge of UK employment law, and leadership skills.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on innovation and operational excellence.
Location: Rotherham, South Yorkshire
Salary: £70,000 - £80,000 per annum
Shillito Executive Search are exclusively working alongside an industry leading, global manufacturing company in their search for a Head of HR. We are seeking a commercially astute, resilient and business-minded Head of HR to lead and modernise the UK HR function in Rotherham. This is a high-impact leadership role requiring a decisive Head of HR who prioritises efficiency, drives measurable performance improvement, and confidently leads organisational change. We are looking for a strategic business partner who understands that HR must enable commercial success, while maintaining robust governance, compliance and strong people foundations. Working closely with Senior Leadership, this role provides an excellent opportunity for career progression in the coming years.
The Opportunity
The incoming Head of HR will take full ownership of the HR function, ensuring it operates as a lean, commercially aligned and modern department. A central element of the role is driving efficiency through smarter systems, streamlined processes and better workforce planning. You will also act as the department's AI Champion, identifying opportunities to introduce automation, AI tools and data-driven decision-making to enhance productivity, insight and compliance.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the full HR function across the employee lifecycle
- Ensure robust compliance with UK employment law, keeping the business protected and proactive
- Provide expert guidance on complex employee relations matters, restructures and organisational change
- Drive workforce planning and cost efficiency aligned to business objectives
- Partner with senior leaders to improve organisational performance and accountability
- Review and strengthen HR policies, governance and risk management frameworks
- Implement and optimise HR systems, analytics and AI-enabled tools
- Lead performance management and capability development initiatives
- Develop and manage one direct report
What We’re Looking For
- Significant HR and leadership experience
- Strong, up-to-date knowledge of UK employment law and best practice
- Comprehensive understanding of core HR disciplines (ER, performance management, reward, L&D, workforce planning, compliance)
- Demonstrable success leading organisational change and transformation programmes
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to align HR to financial performance
- Confident, resilient and comfortable making difficult decisions
- Data-driven mindset with interest in AI and process automation
- Ambition to grow and progress within a scaling organisation
If you are commercially sharp, operationally strong and ready to build a high-performing, future-focused HR function, we welcome your application. If you have any questions, please contact Georgia at Shillito Executive Search.
Shillito Executive Search specialises in finding top-tier executive talent for leadership, management, and board-level positions in the manufacturing industry. We have a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the sector and pride ourselves on doing the right things well. People are our business.
Head of HR (UK) in Rotherham employer: Shillito Executive Search
Contact Detail:
Shillito Executive Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of HR (UK) in Rotherham
✨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 interviews by researching the company and its culture. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around driving efficiency and organisational change.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your data-driven mindset! Be ready to discuss how you've used analytics or AI tools in past roles to improve HR processes. This will demonstrate your fit for the Head of HR position.
✨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 take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of HR (UK) in Rotherham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of HR role. Highlight your experience in leading HR functions and any specific achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to 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 your vision for modernising the HR function and how you plan to drive efficiency and performance improvement.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills. We’re looking for someone who can confidently lead organisational change, so share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and driven transformation in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shillito Executive Search
✨Know Your HR Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK employment law and core HR disciplines. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully navigated complex employee relations or led organisational change in the past. This role is all about being commercially astute, so have examples ready that showcase your strategic thinking.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of HR, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare to talk about your experience in leading teams and driving performance improvements. Think about specific instances where you've made tough decisions or implemented changes that had a positive impact on the organisation.
✨Be Data-Driven
This role requires a data-driven mindset, especially with the emphasis on AI and automation. Familiarise yourself with how you've used data analytics in previous roles to enhance HR functions. Be prepared to discuss how you can leverage technology to improve efficiency and compliance within the HR department.
✨Align HR with Business Goals
Understand the company's business objectives and be ready to explain how HR can support these goals. Think about how you've aligned HR strategies with financial performance in the past. This will show that you’re not just an HR expert, but also a strategic partner who understands the bigger picture.