Head of HR (Tilbury Area) – Denholm Associates
My client, a major UK logistics and infrastructure operator, is entering a pivotal phase of investment, growth, and cultural transformation. With a refreshed leadership model and ambitious plans for the next five years, they are placing people, capability and culture firmly at the centre of their strategy.
A brand‑new Head of HR role has been created – a senior leadership position with the freedom and remit to shape the people agenda locally, modernise the function and build a high‑performing, commercially aligned HR operation. This is not about keeping things ticking over; it’s about stepping in at the beginning of a new chapter and helping design what comes next.
Why this role matters
Operating at scale and supporting critical national supply chains, the organisation is fast‑moving, complex and operationally diverse, with around 700 colleagues across multiple business units. Each area has its own priorities and cultural nuances, making strong leadership and organisational clarity essential.
Crucially, the role will also take the lead on union‑based activity and industrial relations. With a unionised workforce and a need to navigate both current and future collective matters, the Head of HR will set the tone for constructive, respectful and forward‑looking relationships – ensuring engagement remains strong and change can land well.
What you’ll be doing
* Shape and deliver the local HR strategy aligned to business growth
* Build a proactive, commercially respected HR function
* Lead organisational development: culture, leadership capability, talent and succession
* Drive organisational design and change with clarity and pace
* Lead industrial relations and union engagement, building constructive partnerships and navigating negotiations confidently
* Support leaders to manage collective issues effectively and proactively
* Embed modern performance and capability frameworks
* Ensure internal communications support trust, alignment and successful change delivery
* Lead and develop the HR team, raising expectations of what HR can deliver
What makes this opportunity stand out
You’ll be joining at exactly the right moment. Decisions made now about culture, capability and organisational shape will define success for years to come, and HR will be central to that journey.
There’s genuine scope to modernise, elevate and reposition HR as a true strategic partner, rather than a reactive support function. How often do you get the chance to build something lasting, rather than inherit a finished model?
Who we’re looking for
* Brings credibility and commercial understanding
* Has operated in complex, unionised and operational environments
* Can build trust and influence at senior level
* Enjoys shaping, modernising and improving ways of working
* Is comfortable handling both strategy and hands‑on delivery
* Has confidence and experience in union negotiations and industrial relations
Salary and benefits: £Competitive base + car allowance + bonus.
For the right leader, this is an outstanding career move – offering influence, visibility and the chance to leave a genuine legacy. If that sounds like the kind of challenge you’ve been waiting for, we’d love to hear from you.
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