Our client, a global technology‑led manufacturing organisation, is now seeking a Head of HR to lead the HR function within its UK business.
The role will serve as the senior people leader for the UK operation, providing strategic direction, organisational leadership and operational excellence across all HR and site service functions.
The Role:
Reporting to the CEO of the Global business, and operating as a trusted advisor to the UK executive leadership team, as the Head of HR, you will be responsible for, but not limited to:
* serving as the principal HR business partner to the senior leadership team, providing strategic counsel on workforce planning, organisational design and culture development
* leading the design and execution of the UK people strategy aligned with global objectives, innovation roadmap and future capability needs
* driving organisational effectiveness initiatives, including structure optimisation, change management and talent investments that enhance agility and business performance
* providing strategic partnership and leadership support to US‑based HR operations, ensuring alignment between UK, US, and global people strategies
* supporting the development and execution of cross‑regional workforce planning initiatives, ensuring the business maintains a cohesive leadership pipeline and future‑ready capabilities
* driving enterprise‑wide HR transformation projects including HRIS optimisation, policy modernisation, and organisational change initiatives
* ensuring full compliance with UK employment law, regulatory obligations and internal governance frameworks
* overseeing end‑to‑end talent acquisition for UK operations, ensuring workforce planning and recruitment strategies support organisational growth and capability needs
* championing employee engagement, recognition and retention strategies
* providing executive oversight of HR systems, data integrity and employee lifecycle processes, ensuring accurate and compliant records management
* providing strategic leadership for UK payroll operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance and timely delivery
* leading UK benefits strategy, pay governance and reward practices in collaboration with global HR and finance teams
* providing senior leadership to H&S functions ensuring compliance with UK legislation and company safety policies, as well as championing site‑wide wellbeing initiatives that support mental, physical, and emotional health
* leading major HR transformation initiatives, including automation, policy modernisation and process optimisation
* overseeing internal HR and governance audits, ensuring compliance, risk mitigation and continuous improvement
As the Head of HR, you will be required to operate at a strategic level in order to advise, implement and influence at all levels throughout the business.
The Candidate:
Ideally of graduate standard or with equivalent professional experience, candidates for the Head of HR role will have preferably have had previous senior HR leadership experience from within a commercial or HR focused discipline and will also have achieved or be working towards their further CIPD qualifications.
In addition, candidates for the Head of HR role will be required to demonstrate that they have:
* previous work experience in the same or similar HR leadership role, which has provided strong and expert knowledge of HR principles and HR business partnering, preferably from within the manufacturing or engineering sectors
* previously worked within a complex or multi-national organisation
* had engagement with senior stakeholders and a proven capability of strategic HR leadership, talent management and organisational development
* expert knowledge of UK employment legislation, HR best practices and differences across a global market
* a proficiency with HRIS systems alongside MS Office tools
Candidates for the Head of HR role should also have:
* strategic thinking skills which balance long term vision with hands on operational leadership
* excellent communication skills and the ability to be flexible in a challenging environment
* initiative with a positive and professional outlook
* the ability to work effectively within a team but also under their own initiative, demonstrating that they are an organised and capable individual, used to multi-tasking and can prioritise their workload in order to meet exacting deadlines
* the ability to be analytical and results driven with a strong commitment to success and excellence
* the capacity to be a strong, capable leader, with the presence to motivate and influence across all levels of the business
This role will also attract bonus and benefits.
Candidates should note that there will be some international travel with this role.