At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the people strategy and culture for a leading precision forging company.
- Company: Join IFA, a top player in the precision forging industry with unique capabilities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, comprehensive benefits, and 33 days annual leave.
- Other info: Be part of a stable, respected business with long-term career opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on organisational growth and employee engagement in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven HR leadership experience in complex manufacturing or engineering settings.
Independent Forgings and Alloys Ltd (IFA), one of Europe's leading precision forging companies, is seeking an experienced HR Director to join its Sheffield-based operation. IFA sits uniquely as the only single-sited forge in the world with open-die radial, press, hammer and ring rolling capabilities alongside closed-die extrusion, drop stamp and blade forging. Through extensive forging, machining and testing capabilities, the business provides a fully integrated metals service centre, supplying critical components into aerospace, defence, energy and other highly regulated industries.
As the business continues its ambitious growth and investment journey, IFA is looking to appoint an accomplished HR Director to join the Senior Leadership Team. This is a pivotal leadership appointment, responsible for shaping the people strategy, organisational capability and culture required to support the next phase of business growth.
The Role
Reporting directly to the CEO, you will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, partnering with leaders across the business to develop a high-performing, engaged and future-focused workforce. This role will oversee all aspects of Human Resources including organisational development, employee relations, leadership development, talent management, reward, workforce planning and compliance. You will provide strategic leadership while maintaining a visible presence across the business, ensuring HR supports operational excellence and long-term organisational success.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement a comprehensive people strategy aligned with IFA's business objectives and long-term growth plans.
- Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and Senior Leadership Team on all people-related matters.
- Lead organisational development initiatives, including succession planning, leadership capability and workforce planning.
- Drive employee engagement strategies that foster a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture.
- Lead talent acquisition, retention and development initiatives to ensure the business attracts and retains exceptional people.
- Oversee all employee relations activities, ensuring fair, consistent and legally compliant people management practices.
- Develop and implement performance management frameworks that drive accountability and continuous improvement.
- Lead compensation, benefits and reward strategies to ensure market competitiveness.
- Ensure compliance with UK employment legislation, HR policies and governance requirements.
- Provide strategic leadership on organisational change and transformation programmes.
- Develop learning and development initiatives to enhance leadership, management and technical capability across the organisation.
- Monitor HR metrics and people analytics to support informed business decisions.
- Lead, develop and mentor the HR team to deliver a proactive and value-adding HR function.
- Build strong relationships with operational leaders, supporting employee engagement and positive industrial relations.
- Champion diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that strengthen organisational culture.
- Contribute to wider business strategy as an influential member of the Senior Leadership Team.
Requirements
- Proven experience operating at HR Director, Head of HR or Senior HR Leadership level within manufacturing, engineering, industrial or similarly complex environments.
- Demonstrable experience developing and delivering organisation-wide people strategies.
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to align HR initiatives to business performance and growth.
- Significant experience advising executive leadership teams on strategic people matters.
- Excellent knowledge of UK employment legislation and HR best practice.
- Experience leading organisational change, transformation and cultural development programmes.
- Strong track record of developing leadership capability and high-performing teams.
- Outstanding stakeholder management, influencing and communication skills.
- Highly analytical with experience using HR metrics and data to drive business decisions.
- CIPD Level 7 qualified or equivalent is preferred.
- Experience supporting businesses through periods of growth, investment and organisational transformation would be highly advantageous.
What's on Offer
- Salary of £90,000 - £100,000 depending on experience.
- Performance-related bonus scheme.
- Comprehensive benefits package.
- Pension scheme.
- 33 days annual leave.
- Ongoing executive leadership development and professional support.
- Opportunity to shape the people strategy of one of the UK's most advanced forging and manufacturing businesses.
- A key Senior Leadership Team position with genuine influence over the future direction of the organisation.
- Long-term career opportunity within a stable, growing and highly respected engineering business.
This position is being recruited exclusively by W Talent, who will be conducting the initial executive search and selection process. For a confidential discussion regarding this opportunity, please contact Joe Walton at W Talent.
HR Director in Hillsborough employer: W Talent
Independent Forgings and Alloys Ltd (IFA) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to shape the people strategy of one of Europe's leading precision forging companies based in Sheffield. With a strong focus on employee engagement, professional development, and a comprehensive benefits package, IFA fosters a positive and inclusive work culture that supports long-term career growth and stability in a highly respected engineering environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Director in Hillsborough
✨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!
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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 W Talent!
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We think you need these skills to ace HR Director in Hillsborough
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 W Talent. 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 W Talent 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 W Talent. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to W Talent'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 W Talent
✨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 W Talent.
✨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!
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A full-time HR role at W Talent 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.
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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 W Talent and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
