HR Director – Lead People Strategy in Large Multi‑Site Business

About the role

The HR Director will partner with the senior leadership team to shape and deliver the people agenda for a large, multi‑site operational workforce. This senior position combines strategic thinking with a hands‑on approach, influencing both corporate and operational HR matters.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and develop the HR function, overseeing a team of HR and payroll professionals.
• Act as trusted advisor to the Executive and Senior Leadership Teams on all people‑related issues.
• Manage complex employee‑relations cases, including conduct, performance, absence and organisational change.
• Support workforce and succession planning, as well as senior‑level recruitment.
• Own people policies, procedures and HR governance frameworks.
• Drive consistency and continuous improvement across HR processes.
• Oversee outsourced payroll operations, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Support business growth initiatives and organisational integration.
• Ensure compliance with UK employment legislation and best‑practice HR standards.
• Use people data and management information to inform business decisions.

Required profile

• Significant experience leading HR in a complex organisation with 1,000+ employees.
• Proven track record managing high‑volume employee‑relations and complex employment law matters.
• Experience overseeing payroll as part of an HR leadership remit.
• Exposure to organisational change and workforce transformation initiatives.
• Strong commercial acumen with ability to balance operational priorities and strategic objectives.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and executive‑level influencing skills.
• Pragmatic, resilient, hands‑on leadership style and willingness to be visible within the business.

What we 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, complex organisation.