**Starting January 2026**
About the role
We’re looking for a hands-on Head of HR to join our team and lead the overall HR function across the business, whose strength lies in operational HR supported by a people‑centric approach and a strong foundation in compliance.
This is not a purely strategic or desk-based role. We’re looking for someone who is comfortable solving problems, supporting Directors and line managers, and making sure our people processes run smoothly and efficiently.
You’ll be the engine of our HR function, with a strong focus on day-to-day operations, while also playing a key part in maintaining a positive working culture and ensuring we remain fully compliant with employment law and best practice.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide professional leadership, support and development to the HR team.
* Oversee all operational HR activity including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, absence management, disciplinary and grievance processes.
* Maintain and deliver HR documentation, dashboards, and KPIs for workforce planning insights.
* Maintain and develop efficient HR processes and documentation to ensure smooth day-to-day function and upkeep a clear and organised HR platform.
People Focused Responsibilities
* Foster a positive and supportive workplace culture aligned with Whitemeadow’s core values, with a clear focus on employee engagement, communication, and wellbeing.
* Support line managers with practical HR advice and coaching to ensure consistent application of company policies and procedures.
* Regularly coach, mentor and support colleagues to identify individual strengths and development needs.
* Develop and maintain effective relationships and develop emerging talent pipelines
* Gain an understanding of the Payroll function, and offer support to the Payroll Manager when required.
Compliance Focused Responsibilities
* Ensure legal compliance in all areas of employment, including right to work checks, GDPR, and health & safety from a people perspective.
* Manage relationships with external providers such as recruitment agencies, training providers and occupational health services.
* Act as a trusted advisor on contractual, disciplinary, grievance and related policies.
HRIS Responsibilities
As part of this role, you’ll oversee the implementation of a new cloud-based, mobile-first HR and payroll platform, driving efficiency and a joined-up approach to HR.
* Embed its use across HR operations - recruitment, onboarding, performance, learning, payroll, absence management, self‑service holiday booking, analytics, and more.
* Champion company adoption: train managers and staff, drive engagement with the platform’s key features (e.g. news feeds, communications, holiday bookings, pay access), and ensure use in everyday processes
* Use real‑time analytics and reporting tools to generate actionable workforce insights
* Ensure a smooth transition by working with the HR platform provider and troubleshooting integration issues with our existing systems.
About You
* Proven experience in an operational HR role, ideally in a manufacturing or similar environment with at least 5 years’ experience.
* Accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) at level 7.
* Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and regulations.
* Vast working knowledge of all HR departmental areas, including reward and recognition, welfare, learning and development.
* Approachable, pragmatic, and confident in dealing with people at all levels.
* Comfortable operating independently, making decisions day-to-day, and as a leader of the HR team, encouraging development and a positive team culture.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport quickly.
* Have an ability to analyse and review HR data to identify trends.
* Experience of working with a large hourly-paid production workforce is a strong advantage.
* Tech-savvy, with experience or enthusiasm for adopting an HRIS or HR platform.
* Experience implementing HR systems is highly desirable.
Why Join Us?
At Whitemeadow, people are at the heart of everything we do. As our Head of HR, you’ll play a critical role in ensuring that our teams feel supported, processes run smoothly, and we remain a great place to work. You’ll have the autonomy to shape how HR operates, in a company that values integrity, quality, and genuine leadership.