At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the UK people function with strategic HR initiatives.
- Company: Fast-growing, entrepreneurial organisation with a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Autonomy, career growth, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Collaborative atmosphere with opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Join us to build a high-performance culture and drive meaningful change.
- Qualifications: 8+ years of HR experience, ideally in fast-paced environments.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced, commercially driven HR leader to build and shape our UK people function. This is a hands-on, strategic role focused on organisational design, performance management, talent acquisition, and cultural development—with minimal administrative burden.
You will be the architect of our UK people strategy, responsible for designing and implementing scalable HR frameworks, driving performance and accountability, and building a high-performance culture from the ground up. As a trusted business partner, you will work closely with UK leadership and China HQ to translate business strategy into clear, actionable, and motivating people plans. This is an exciting opportunity to join a fast-growing, entrepreneurial organisation where you can have significant impact and autonomy.
Key Responsibilities
- Organisational Design & People Infrastructure (0-to-1 Build)
- Design and implement a lean, agile organisational structure that supports current business needs while allowing for future growth.
- Build scalable HR policies, processes, and frameworks that comply with UK employment law and evolve with the business.
- Establish core HR infrastructure, including onboarding, employee records, payroll set-up, and HRIS implementation.
- Strategic Performance Management
- Design and embed a robust, transparent performance management framework that links individual, team, and business objectives.
- Translate high-level business strategy into clear, measurable KPIs and actionable goals for the UK team.
- Drive regular performance reviews, objective-setting processes, and continuous feedback mechanisms to foster accountability and high performance.
- Develop fair, commercially sustainable reward and recognition programmes (including bonus and incentive structures) that motivate teams and attract top talent in the UK market.
- Talent Acquisition & Retention
- Lead end-to-end recruitment for senior and critical roles, building a strong employer brand and talent pipeline in the UK.
- Develop a compelling employee value proposition that appeals to UK professionals and reflects an ambitious, entrepreneurial culture.
- Design and implement retention strategies to engage and retain key talent during periods of rapid growth and change.
- Cultural Bridge & Change Leadership
- Act as a cultural ambassador, facilitating effective collaboration and mutual understanding between China HQ and the UK team.
- Champion a culture of openness, transparency, and resilience, helping the team navigate ambiguity and maintain morale during the start-up phase.
- Lead team-building, communication, and engagement initiatives to unite the UK team around a shared mission and values.
- HR Business Partnering
- Act as a true HR business partner to UK leadership and line managers, providing commercially astute people solutions to business challenges.
- Coach and mentor managers on people management, leadership development, and team effectiveness.
- Proactively identify organisational bottlenecks, skill gaps, and friction points, and recommend solutions to drive business performance.
- Legal & Compliance (Employment Law & GDPR)
- Ensure full compliance with UK employment law, GDPR, and all relevant regulatory requirements.
- Manage complex employee relations cases, including disciplinary matters, grievances, and terminations, mitigating legal risk while ensuring fair and legally sound outcomes.
- Oversee UK visa sponsorship (Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence) and global mobility processes.
Key Requirements
- Education: Bachelor's degree or above in Human Resources, Business Management, Law, or a related field.
- Experience: 8+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least 3 years at Director/Head level, ideally in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, or growth-stage environment. Experience building an HR function from scratch is highly desirable.
- Language: Fluent business English (written and spoken). Mandarin is a plus but not required.
- UK Employment Law: Deep, practical knowledge of UK employment law, GDPR, tax, pensions, and immigration (including Skilled Worker sponsorship).
- 0-to-1 Mindset: Proven ability to build HR functions, organisational structures, and performance cultures from the ground up. Comfortable working with ambiguity and creating structure where none exists.
- Strategic & Commercial: Strong strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills with a genuine understanding of what drives business performance.
- Collaborative & Resilient: High emotional intelligence, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels. Comfortable navigating cross-cultural environments.
Desirable (Nice to Have)
- CIPD qualification (Level 7 preferred).
- Experience in the real estate, property, construction, or built environment sectors.
- Experience in a cross-cultural liaison role, particularly between a Western subsidiary and an Asian headquarters.
What We're Looking For in You
- Resilient and adaptable – you thrive under pressure and remain clear-headed in ambiguous, fast-changing environments.
- Influential yet pragmatic – you can challenge constructively, build consensus, and drive decisions without formal authority.
- Hands-on and strategic – you can balance big-picture thinking with a willingness to roll up your sleeves and deliver.
- A coach and mentor – you enjoy developing others and building leadership capability across the organisation.
What Success Looks Like (First 12 Months)
- A clear, fit-for-purpose organisational structure is designed and implemented to support business growth.
- A performance management framework is successfully embedded, with clear KPIs linking business strategy to individual and team objectives.
- Key senior and critical roles are filled with high-calibre talent.
- The UK team is engaged, motivated, and aligned with the company's mission and strategic direction.
- A positive, high-performance culture is visibly established, with open communication and strong collaboration between the UK team and HQ.
Why Join Us?
- High impact: You will have genuine autonomy to shape the people function and make a tangible difference from day one.
- Entrepreneurial environment: We are building something new, and we value initiative, creativity, and fresh ideas.
- Career growth: As the business grows, so will your role and responsibilities.
Human Resources Director employer: Y. T. REALTY GROUP LIMITED
Y. T. Realty Group Limited is an exceptional employer that values strategic leadership and cross-cultural collaboration, making it an ideal workplace for professionals looking to make a significant impact in HR and administration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the company offers comprehensive training and development opportunities, fostering a supportive work culture that encourages innovation and compliance with UK regulations. Located in the UK, employees benefit from a dynamic environment that bridges Eastern and Western business practices, enhancing their professional experience.
Contact Details:
Y. T. REALTY GROUP LIMITED Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Human Resources Director
✨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 Y. T. REALTY GROUP LIMITED!
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We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Director
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 Y. T. REALTY GROUP LIMITED. 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 Y. T. REALTY GROUP LIMITED 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 Y. T. REALTY GROUP LIMITED. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Y. T. REALTY GROUP LIMITED'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 Y. T. REALTY GROUP LIMITED
✨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 Y. T. REALTY GROUP LIMITED.
✨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 Y. T. REALTY GROUP LIMITED 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 Y. T. REALTY GROUP LIMITED and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
