Head of Human Resources

Head of Human Resources

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead HR strategies and support a growing team in a dynamic environment.
  • Company: Join a thriving services business with over 1,000 dedicated colleagues across the UK.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a flexible work schedule with 4 days in the office and 1 day remote.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping HR practices and supporting a diverse workforce.
  • Qualifications: Experience in operational HR and leading teams in blue collar environments is essential.
  • Other info: We value equity, diversity, and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Job Description

Head of HR

Location: Cheshire OR Midlands with travel

Salary: Up to £75,000 + car allowance + benefits

Contract: Permanent

Are you a HR leader who thrives in complex, hands-on operational environments? We’re looking for a Head of HR to lead a nation wide team and drive people-focused solutions across a multi-site organisation.

The Role

Reporting to the HR Director and partnering Operational stakeholders at Director level, this is a key role in shaping and delivering effective HR operations that support both day-to-day employee relations and the organisation’s longer-term roadmap. You’ll be:

  • Leading, coaching, and developing a team of HR Business Partners and ER specialists who provide hands-on support to line managers across the business
  • Building capability and confidence within the leadership population enabling them to lead and develop their teams
  • Playing a pivotal role in policy development, wellbeing initiatives, workforce planning, and projects around org design
  • Supporting large-scale projects, including the integration of acquired businesses
  • Navigating a unionised environment, where your awareness and pragmatic approach will be key
  • Collaborating with the Centre of Excellence, leaning on their expertise for specific projects and initiatives
  • Spending c40% of your time travelling between sites to maintain visibility and impact

About You

We’re seeking someone who combines strong operational HR expertise with the ability to see the bigger picture. You’ll be comfortable delivering implementation and change, but equally able to understand and align with the strategic roadmap. You will bring:

  • Demonstrable experience leading a HR team in a complex, multi-site organisation
  • A track record of driving employee relations, policy development, and organisational change
  • The ability to coach and upskill managers, embedding accountability and resilience in line management
  • Experience working in an operational / unionised environment
  • Strong influencing skills and the confidence to partner with senior leadership
  • Ideally, you’ll be based within reach of either the Cheshire or Midlands office, able to travel across the UK as required (c40%)

What’s on Offer

  • Competitive salary up to £75,000 (max)
  • Car allowance & benefits package
  • The opportunity to make a tangible impact in a people-focused, fast-paced organisation

Please apply with a CV via the link to be considered. Please don't send CVs via Linked In messages or directly via email, however questions are welcome.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are integral to everything that we do. We are committed to these values and they are central to our mission. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities, and we are more than happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that you may require.

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Contact Detail:

We Are Adam Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Human Resources

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the HR field, especially those who have experience in operational blue-collar environments. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Research the company’s current HR practices and challenges, particularly regarding field-based teams. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your understanding of their needs during discussions and show how you can add value.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led HR initiatives in similar environments. Highlight your ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive strategic change.

✨Tip Number 4

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in HR technology and tools that can support a dispersed workforce. Being knowledgeable about these resources will position you as a forward-thinking candidate who can enhance operational efficiency.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Human Resources

Strategic HR Planning
Employee Relations
Recruitment and Onboarding
Team Leadership
Operational HR Management
Change Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Field-Based Workforce Management
Commercial Acumen
Influencing Skills
Performance Management
Conflict Resolution
Adaptability in Ambiguous Situations
People Development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in operational HR and leadership roles, especially in blue-collar environments. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to influence at a senior level.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and how your people-first approach aligns with the company's values. Mention your experience with field-based teams and your strategic vision for HR.

Highlight Relevant Achievements: When detailing your work history, focus on achievements that showcase your ability to drive recruitment, employee relations, and HR support in a practical manner. Quantify your successes where possible.

Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: Demonstrate your understanding of the bigger picture by discussing how you would partner with senior stakeholders to reshape the HR plan. Include any relevant experience with business growth through acquisition and integration.

How to prepare for a job interview at We Are Adam

✨Understand the Business Needs

Before the interview, research the company’s recent growth and how it impacts HR. Be prepared to discuss how you can align HR strategies with their operational goals, especially in a field-based environment.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

As a Head of HR, your leadership approach is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams through change and ambiguity, and how you’ve instilled confidence in your colleagues.

✨Emphasise Practical Solutions

Given the focus on pragmatic employee relations, come equipped with specific strategies or initiatives you've implemented in the past that improved recruitment, onboarding, or employee engagement in similar environments.

✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions

Be ready to discuss how you would reshape the HR plan in line with business needs. Think about potential challenges the company might face as it grows and how you can proactively address them.

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