HR Director

Hays Human Resources are delighted to be supporting a market-leading organisation, with a large multi-site operational workforce, in the appointment of a HR Director.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a complex operational business with a sizeable and diverse workforce. Working closely with the senior leadership team, you will play a key role in shaping and delivering the people agenda, whilst maintaining a strong operational focus across employee relations, workforce planning, organisational development and people governance.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to a senior executive leader and working closely with the wider leadership team, this role will be responsible for leading an established HR function and delivering practical, commercially focused people solutions across a broad workforce population.

This role requires a highly visible leader who is comfortable spending time within the business, building relationships with operational teams and supporting managers through complex people challenges. The successful candidate will combine strategic thinking with a genuine willingness to remain hands-on where required.

Key responsibilities will include

Leading and developing the HR function, providing direction and support to a team of HR and payroll professionals.

Acting as a trusted advisor to the Executive Team and Senior Leadership Team on all people-related matters.

Managing complex employee relations issues, including conduct, performance, absence management and organisational change.

Supporting workforce planning, succession planning and senior-level recruitment activity.

Taking ownership of people policies, procedures and HR governance frameworks.

Driving consistency and continuous improvement across HR processes and operating procedures.

Providing oversight of outsourced payroll operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance and effective controls.

Supporting business growth initiatives and organisational integration activity.

Ensuring compliance with UK employment legislation and best practice HR standards.

Using people data and management information to support informed business decision-making.

About You

We are keen to speak with experienced HR leaders who have operated in large-scale, fast-paced environments and can demonstrate success supporting both operational and corporate populations.

You will bring

Significant experience leading HR, with a hands-on approach, within a complex organisation employing 1,000+ employees.

A proven track record managing high-volume employee relations activity and complex employment law matters.

Experience overseeing payroll as part of a broader HR leadership remit.

Exposure to organisational change and workforce transformation initiatives.

Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance operational priorities and strategic objectives.

Exceptional stakeholder management skills and the confidence to influence at executive level.

A pragmatic, resilient and hands-on leadership style.

A willingness to be visible within the business.

Experience in operationally led sectors.

What's on Offer?

Competitive salary

Performance-related bonus

Private healthcare

Life assurance

Pension scheme

Senior leadership exposure and influence

Opportunity to shape and develop the people agenda within a large and complex organisation.

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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