Head of HR

We are partnering a leading global business as they seek a UK based Head of HR. This is a critical hire which has significant influence in the HR team globally. We love working with this business - they have purpose, fascinating business focus and at theircore, are passionate about their people.

The role will join the business at an exciting time. The markets that it serves are strong. Its expertise and experience are well respected. The outlook for business performance is good

The business is also part way through a large change project which will further help the organisation to capitalise on new opportunity.

Reporting to the HR Director the role will take on responsibility for leading a varied team that includes HR Business Partners and some specialist functions (in one case the direct report being a specialist leader).

With staff predominantly based in the UK, the business also has some people in European locations over which the role has some responsibility. The business has a number of UK locations with the most significant being in London, Hampshire and the South West.Travel to these various locations will be required and should be expected.

This hire has many consideration points.

The first is team leadership and ongoing local functional development. Some in the team have been with the business a while, others have joined the HR function as it has grown over recent years. Providing leadership, direction, support and planning the futurestructural design is a central part of the role.

Furthermore, the role will partner will MD level, divisional leaders. It will need to be proactive to make sure that the HR function is meeting the needs of the business areas.

Crucially, the business is mid-way through it’s far reaching change programme. This will lead to new opportunity and efficiencies for the business, but it also involves significant change and un rest for the people. There will be bumps in the road aheadand this role will play a crucial role in coaching leaders through what could be at times difficult and challenging times.

We would like to hear from HR professionals who have experience of leading medium to large HR teams. This could come from divisions within large businesses or from SME businesses. Keep in mind that our client in this instance is global in their operationand outlook and this is not the board level HRD’s role. Operating effectively in a complex global structure with multiple stakeholders will be important and some experience of overseas and in particular European HR would of course be beneficial

It is a strong preference that applicants will have managed HR teams that contain generalist practitioners aswell as functional specialists (Talent Acquisition, HR Operations etc).

Experience to change management is essential and partnering with Director level stakeholders is essential (divisional or departmental senior leaders in larger businesses would quality).