Group Human Resources Director
Location:
Central England – East or West Midlands based
* £125,000 – £150,000 basic salary
* Up to 15% performance bonus
* Car allowance or fully expensed company car
* 5% employer pension contribution
* Private family healthcare
* Life assurance
* 25 days' holiday plus public holidays
* Relocation support – negotiable
* 3 days at HQ, 2 days multi-site
Umbilical Search is retained by a privately owned, multi-site UK manufacturing group undergoing significant transformation and growth.
With a large UK workforce operating across multiple sites, the organisation is now focused on integration, operational alignment and building a high-performance culture to support its next phase of growth.
As part of this evolution, we are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Group Human Resources Director to lead the people strategy across the business.
This is a strategic yet hands-on executive appointment responsible for developing a unified HR framework across multiple sites, strengthening leadership capabilities, driving cultural alignment, and embedding consistent people standards throughout the Group.
Key Responsibilities:
* Report to the Executive Leadership Team with full accountability for Group HR strategy
* Design and implement a consistent, scalable HR operating model across all locations
* Lead organisational design, workforce planning and succession strategy
* Drive cultural transformation and embed a high-performance environment
* Standardise policies, processes and compliance across sites
* Oversee employee relations, including unionised environments and complex casework
* Develop leadership development, talent management and engagement programmes
* Implement reward and benefits structures aligned to business performance
* Lead HR digitalisation and data-driven decision making
* Coach and develop HR Managers within a matrix structure
* Partner with operational leaders to improve capability, reduce attrition and strengthen management standards
Requirements:
* Proven HR leadership experience as HR Director, Group HR Director or senior HR leader within complex, multi-site manufacturing or industrial environments
* Strong background in organisational transformation, integration and change management
* Experience operating within fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing/production environments
* Confident working at Executive and Board level
* Strategic thinker with a practical, hands-on approach
* Strong knowledge of UK employment law and experience in unionised settings
* Degree qualified with CIPD Level 7 or equivalent, MBA advantageous
* Based within commuting distance of Central England, with regular site travel
This is a rare opportunity to shape the people strategy of a growing and ambitious manufacturing group at a pivotal stage in its journey. The successful candidate will play a key role in strengthening leadership, aligning culture and building a robust, future-ready HR function.
How to apply:
Please click "apply", or for further information, please contact Ajay Bhella at Umbilical Limited. Alternatively, please email me an up-to-date copy of your CV to
Umbilical Limited is committed to promoting Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace. We act as a neutral third party in the recruitment process, basing our candidate searches on skills and experience.
We do not discriminate based on age, gender, sex, relationship status, disability, race, religion/beliefs, or sexual orientation.