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- Tasks: Lead the HR function and shape people strategy for a growing consultancy.
- Company: Join a dynamic, private equity-backed business in the built environment sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus scheme, and career-defining opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a pivotal growth phase and influence company culture directly.
- Qualifications: CIPD qualified with 10+ years of HR experience, ideally in leadership roles.
- Other info: Must be a British National and eligible for UK Government Security Clearance.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced HR professional ready to lead and shape the people strategy of a growing, private equity-backed business in the built environment and infrastructure sector? We’re looking for a Head of HR to take full ownership of the HR function and play a central role in the continued success of a multi-disciplinary consultancy operating at the forefront of UK Government and critical infrastructure projects.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to step into a highly autonomous role, where you will work closely with the Board to shape the future of the company’s people, culture and capability. You’ll be joining at a pivotal time as the business continues to scale, delivering professional services including engineering, surveying, architecture and project management.
Please note: Due to the nature of the work, you must be a British National (or dual national with British citizenship) and either hold or be able to obtain UK Government Security Clearance.
You must also be able to commute to the Portsmouth office as the role will be largely office based.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Take ownership of the full HR function across a growing team of ~60 professionals
- Develop and implement recruitment strategies to attract top talent
- Introduce policies, initiatives and frameworks to drive staff retention and engagement
- Oversee training, performance reviews and personal development programmes
- Support a positive, high-performing and inclusive culture across all teams
- Ensure robust onboarding, leavers, performance improvement and grievance processes
- Deliver clear, consistent employee communications and staff engagement events
- Provide expert HR guidance to the Board, shaping people strategy and driving business performance
- Ensure compliance with GDPR and employment legislation
- Monitor compensation, benefits, and market alignment to retain and reward high performers
What We’re Looking For:
- CIPD qualified (or working towards)
- 10+ years' HR experience, with recent experience in a leadership role
- Comfortable operating autonomously, with experience managing HR in an SME or fast-growth business
- Excellent knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills across all levels
- Confident in handling complex or sensitive people matters with discretion
- Project and change management skills to support broader business transformation
- Living within commuting distance of Cosham HQ (this is largely an office-based role)
- Eligible for, or currently hold, UK Government Security Clearance
What’s on Offer:
- Competitive salary of £60,000 p.a.
- Bonus scheme up to 10%
- High-impact role working directly with the Board
- The chance to shape the HR function from the ground up
- Career-defining opportunity during a key period of growth
If you’re a people-focused proactive HR leader with a passion for driving change and building a high-performing culture, we want to hear from you.
Apply now to take the next step in your HR leadership career.
Head Of HR employer: Torchlight Recruitment Solutions Ltd
Contact Detail:
Torchlight Recruitment Solutions Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of HR
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the built environment and infrastructure sector. Understanding the specific challenges and opportunities in this field will help you demonstrate your strategic thinking and how you can contribute to the company's growth.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in HR leadership roles, especially those in similar sectors. Engaging with industry peers can provide insights into best practices and may even lead to referrals or recommendations for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with change management and how you've successfully implemented HR strategies in fast-growing businesses. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your leadership skills and impact on company culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s current HR policies and initiatives. Being knowledgeable about their existing framework will allow you to propose tailored improvements and show that you're proactive about enhancing their HR function.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of HR
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant HR experience, particularly in leadership roles. Emphasise your achievements in developing recruitment strategies, employee engagement, and compliance with employment legislation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for HR and your understanding of the company's needs. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully shaped people strategies in previous roles and how you can contribute to their growth.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your CIPD qualifications and any other relevant certifications. If you're working towards your CIPD, mention this as well, along with your years of HR experience to demonstrate your expertise.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since strong communication is key for this role, provide examples in your application of how you've effectively communicated with various stakeholders. This could include leading training sessions, conducting performance reviews, or managing sensitive HR matters.
How to prepare for a job interview at Torchlight Recruitment Solutions Ltd
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Head of HR, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership skills. Prepare examples from your past roles where you've successfully led HR initiatives or teams, particularly in fast-growth environments.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with the built environment and infrastructure sector. Research the company’s recent projects and challenges to show that you can align HR strategies with business goals.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Be ready to discuss how you would shape the people strategy and culture of the organisation. Think about innovative recruitment strategies and employee engagement initiatives you could implement.
✨Demonstrate Compliance Knowledge
Since compliance with UK employment law and GDPR is crucial, be prepared to discuss your knowledge in these areas. Highlight any relevant experiences where you ensured compliance in previous roles.
