At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR strategy and drive people initiatives across the UK and Europe.
- Company: Join Sunbelt Rentals, a top equipment rental provider with global reach.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible rewards, generous holidays, and a great pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team influencing strategic decisions and shaping the future.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee experience and business transformation.
- Qualifications: Senior HR leadership experience with a strong commercial focus.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
About The Role
At Sunbelt Rentals, we're not just growing - we're transforming. As one of the UK's leading equipment rental businesses and part of a global organisation, we're investing in our people, our capabilities and our future. We’re looking for an experienced and commercially minded HR leader to join us as Head of HR - UK & Europe. Reporting to the Chief Transformation Officer, this is a highly influential leadership role within our senior People team. Working alongside colleagues across our HR Centres of Expertise and wider People Team, you will play a key role in shaping and delivering our people strategy, ensuring it supports the achievement of our business objectives across the UK and Europe.
As part of the senior People leadership team, you will contribute to the development of strategic people priorities, whilst taking accountability for translating those priorities into practical, high‑quality HR delivery that drives business performance. As Head of HR you will act as trusted adviser to the Executive Board members and senior leaders, providing insight, challenge and support on all aspects of people, organisation and culture whilst they navigate organisational growth, transformation, capability development and workforce challenges.
Key Responsibilities
- Contribute to the development and delivery of the UK & Europe people strategy as part of the senior People leadership team.
- Lead the development and execution of integrated people plans aligned to business priorities.
- Lead and develop the HR Business Partner, People Advisory and Employee Relations teams, ensuring exceptional service delivery and commercial support to the business.
- Work collaboratively with HR Centres of Expertise to ensure effective delivery of talent, learning, reward, organisational development, engagement and inclusion initiatives.
- Lead the people aspects of business transformation, organisational change and growth initiatives.
- Ensure robust, commercially focused employee relations practices that balance risk management with business performance.
- Drive continuous improvement across HR processes, service delivery and people outcomes.
- Use people insights and data to inform decision‑making and influence business strategy.
- Build organisational capability and leadership effectiveness across the business.
- Develop a high‑performing HR team, creating an environment where colleagues can thrive and deliver exceptional support to the business.
What can we offer you in return?
You’ll be joining a highly successful company, the UK’s largest equipment rental provider. We provide an industry‑leading flexible rewards package including generous holiday allowance (with the opportunity to buy and sell annual leave), life assurance, retail discount scheme, employee recognition awards and a great company pension scheme. You will also be entitled to a company car/car allowance, laptop, phone and bonus scheme as part of this role.
About You
You will already be operating in a senior HR leadership role, potentially as a HR Director, Divisional HR Director, Senior HR Business Partner or Head of HR within a complex, fast‑paced organisation. You will bring:
- Significant experience partnering leadership teams.
- A strong track record of influencing organisational performance through people strategies and interventions.
- Experience leading sizeable HR teams and delivering both strategic and operational HR outcomes.
- Strong commercial acumen and the ability to balance people priorities with business objectives.
- Experience operating within sectors such as construction, industrial services, engineering, logistics, manufacturing, infrastructure, distribution or similarly fast‑paced operational environments.
- Credibility, resilience and gravitas, with the ability to build trusted relationships and influence effectively at all levels.
- Experience of organisational transformation, change management and business growth.
- A passion for developing high‑performing teams and creating an outstanding employee experience.
- The ability to challenge constructively, influence confidently and operate effectively within a complex stakeholder environment.
About Us
This is an opportunity to join a business with significant ambition, investment and momentum. You'll be part of a leadership team that recognises the value of people in delivering business success and gives HR a genuine seat at the table. You'll have the opportunity to influence strategic decisions, lead meaningful transformation and shape the employee experience for thousands of colleagues across the UK and Europe. At Sunbelt, the People Team is viewed as a strategic enabler of business success. You'll work alongside talented leaders across the People function and wider business, contribute to major transformation initiatives and have the freedom to make a tangible impact on the future direction of the organisation.
While the role carries the title Head of HR, the scope, influence and accountability are comparable to many senior HR positions, with direct exposure to the Executive Board and responsibility for helping shape and deliver people strategy across the UK and Europe. If you're looking for a role that combines strategic influence, executive partnering and operational leadership with the opportunity to make a lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.
Locations
Head of HR – UK & Europe in Cheshire, Warrington employer: Sunbelt Rentals Careers
At Sunbelt Rentals, we pride ourselves on being a transformative employer that values our people as the cornerstone of our success. With a strong focus on employee growth and a collaborative work culture, we offer an industry-leading rewards package, including generous holiday allowances, a company car, and opportunities for professional development. Join us in shaping the future of our organisation while enjoying a supportive environment that encourages innovation and excellence across the UK and Europe.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of HR – UK & Europe in Cheshire, Warrington
✨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 Sunbelt Rentals Careers!
✨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.
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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 Sunbelt Rentals Careers.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of HR – UK & Europe in Cheshire, Warrington
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 Sunbelt Rentals Careers. 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 Sunbelt Rentals Careers 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 Sunbelt Rentals Careers. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Sunbelt Rentals Careers'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 Sunbelt Rentals Careers
✨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 Sunbelt Rentals Careers.
✨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 Sunbelt Rentals Careers 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 Sunbelt Rentals Careers and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
