Head of HR

Head of HR (Interim)
Rate: £750 per day
Duration: 3 months (initial contract)
IR35: Inside
Location: [Insert Location/Hybrid if applicable]

Job Purpose

To lead the development and implementation of the organisation's HR strategy, fully aligned to the overall business plan and key performance indicators. The post holder will provide strategic and operational leadership across the HR function, ensuring excellence in service delivery across the full employee life cycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement an HR strategy in collaboration with the Executive team, aligned to business objectives and informed by key data.
• Lead and develop the HR team to ensure they reach their full potential.
• Provide oversight and support to transformation and change programmes, ensuring appropriate consultation and effective risk management.
• Work closely with transformation leads to ensure cost savings are identified and delivered.
• Champion best practice in HR, challenging constructively where necessary.
• Partner with HR Business Partners, the Executive Team and Senior Leadership Team to drive the people agenda and influence strategic decision-making.
• Oversee development and implementation of HR policies and procedures to ensure compliance and support business objectives.
• Deliver reporting and insights on HR KPIs, making recommendations to close gaps.
• Lead change management initiatives across the organisation.
• Ensure HR Operations deliver efficient HR administration and payroll services, maximising self-service opportunities.
• Oversee recruitment and resourcing, positioning the organisation as an employer of choice.
• Maintain effective employee relations, including complex case management and organisational change.
• Collaborate with internal communications to keep employees informed of key organisational issues.
• Oversee Learning & Development, ensuring provision meets current and future business needs.
• Embed and promote equality, diversity and inclusion across all HR activities.
• Monitor delivery of HR services against SLAs, addressing underperformance and recognising excellence.
• Manage the HR budget, escalating variances as required.
• Lead the procurement and management of HR suppliers, ensuring value for money.
• Establish and maintain effective employee voice mechanisms, including relationships with employee representatives and forums.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Level 7 CIPD or equivalent experience (essential)
• Evidence of CPD (essential)
• Recognised Management qualification (desirable)

Experience

• Senior-level generalist HR experience, working into Director level (essential)
• Proven leadership and management of HR teams (essential)
• Experience of transformational change and delivering outcomes (essential)
• Experience of developing and implementing people strategies and managing aligned budgets (essential)
• Experience of working with Trade Unions or employee representative groups (desirable)

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong generalist HR expertise across the full employee life cycle (essential)
• Excellent communication and presentation skills (essential)
• Highly analytical, structured and organised (essential)
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills (essential)
• Knowledge of structured change management methodologies (desirable)

Competencies

• Proven leadership with a positive, "can-do" attitude
• Accountability for results, with adaptability to changing demands
• Strong teamworking ethos and ability to act as a role model
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills across varied audiences
• Customer-focused approach to service delivery
• Commitment to continuous personal and professional development

Continued Professional Development
The post holder is expected to maintain and develop professional HR and business skills through CPD, networking, external events, and training.