Head of HR – 12‑month contract in London

About the role

This 12‑month contract position supports a major private hospital in London while the incumbent’s maternity leave is covered. Reporting to the HR Director, you will lead a team of four and ensure the delivery of high‑quality HR, training, recruitment and retention services that underpin patient care.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the HR function, maintaining consistent, high‑quality people practices across the organisation.
• Drive workforce initiatives, including recruitment, retention strategies and future workforce planning.
• Provide expert employee‑relations guidance and coach managers on policy and casework.
• Manage budgets and contracts for occupational health, training and staff benefits.
• Oversee people governance such as DBS checks, Right‑to‑Work verification and sponsorship.
• Develop KPIs and dashboards to support performance monitoring and decision‑making.
• Ensure regulatory compliance, including workforce‑related inspection requirements.

Required profile

• Available to start within two weeks of appointment.
• Senior HR experience within a healthcare environment.
• Strong operational HR expertise with proven team‑leadership capabilities.
• Demonstrated delivery of HR interventions and workforce projects.
• Confidence handling complex employee‑relations cases and policy development.
• Degree‑level education and CIPD qualification (Level 7 desirable).
• Credible, values‑led leader with a coaching approach.

Required skills

• CIPD qualification (Level 7 preferred).
• Degree‑level academic background.

What we offer

• Competitive salary range of £65,000‑£75,000 per annum.
• Full‑time onsite role within a leading private hospital.
• Opportunity to influence HR strategy and contribute to high‑quality patient care.