At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR strategy and operations in a complex, unionised environment.
- Company: The Bukola Group partners with a large, established organisation.
- Benefits: Significant exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making.
- Other info: Opportunity for impactful HR work with excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the people agenda and influence organisational culture.
- Qualifications: Extensive HR leadership experience in unionised settings and strong employee relations expertise.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
The Bukola Group is partnering with a large, established organisation to appoint an experienced Head of HR into a key leadership position. This is a highly visible role leading the people agenda across a complex, unionised workforce. Reporting into the Executive Leadership Team, you will provide strategic and operational HR leadership, ensuring the delivery of a commercially focused people strategy while maintaining strong employee and industrial relations frameworks.
The successful candidate will bring significant experience operating within a unionised environment and will be confident leading on complex employee relations matters, organisational change, and trade union engagement.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the HR function and providing strategic direction across all people-related activities
- Acting as the senior HR advisor to executive and operational leadership teams
- Developing and implementing HR strategies aligned to organisational objectives
- Leading employee relations and industrial relations activity across the organisation
- Building and maintaining effective relationships with trade union representatives and employee forums
- Providing oversight and guidance on complex and high-risk employee relations matters
- Leading organisational change programmes, restructures, workforce planning initiatives, and consultation processes
- Ensuring compliance with employment legislation and HR best practice
- Developing management capability through coaching, guidance, and leadership development initiatives
- Driving employee engagement, performance, talent, succession, and workforce development strategies
- Using people data and insights to identify risks, opportunities, and areas for improvement
You will be a commercially minded HR leader with extensive experience operating within a complex, unionised environment. You will bring:
- Proven experience in a senior HR leadership role, such as Head of HR, or HR Director level
- Significant experience leading HR within a heavily unionised workforce environment
- Strong employee relations and industrial relations expertise, including engagement with recognised trade unions, redundancy work, and employment tribunals
- Experience leading organisational change, consultation, and workforce transformation programmes
- Excellent knowledge of UK employment law and its practical application
- A track record of influencing and partnering with senior leadership teams
- Strong leadership, coaching, and stakeholder management skills
- Experience managing and developing HR teams
- CIPD Level 7 or equivalent professional qualification
What's on Offer
- Opportunity to lead and shape the people agenda within a large and complex organisation
- Significant exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making
- A broad and impactful remit covering both operational and strategic HR activity
- The chance to influence organisational culture, employee engagement, and workforce effectiveness
Essential Requirement
You must demonstrate substantial experience leading HR within a unionised environment, with a strong track record in employee relations, industrial relations, and trade union engagement.
Head of HR employer: The Bukola Group
The Bukola Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where strategic HR leaders can thrive. With a strong focus on employee development and a commitment to fostering positive industrial relations, this role provides unique opportunities for professional growth within a supportive and collaborative culture. Located in a vibrant area, employees benefit from a rich community and access to various resources that enhance both personal and professional life.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of HR
✨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 The Bukola Group!
✨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 The Bukola Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of HR
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 The Bukola Group. 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 The Bukola Group 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 The Bukola Group. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to The Bukola Group'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 The Bukola Group
✨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 The Bukola Group.
✨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 The Bukola Group 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 The Bukola Group and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
