“Sam, I need someone that is succession material.”

Succession – one of the many HR buzzwords of recent years, being applied by an HR person within the context of hiring into their own team. You’d be forgiven for thinking this role must be working for a business with a sizeable HR function (as they are the ones that can usually accommodate internal progression) or reporting into someone that has got their sights on retirement. In both cases you’d be wrong – instead you’ll be a joining a small HR team, working for a business that has been thriving and, off the back of an unusual year, are in a position to invest further and, therefore, are looking to bolster their HR capabilities.

HR Manager

£50,000 - 55,000

Great package including car or allowance

Northampton

Permanent

As HR Manager here you’ll oversee a small team responsible for the operational HR service and, while this will require you to be comfortable getting hands on yourself, you will assume a tactical position identifying opportunities to enhance the employee experience and the development of talent, as well as consulting with the business on growth and change initiatives.

Internally, they have a reputation for being a great employer – rewarding employees as the business succeeds and creating an environment for people to thrive by being a business that doesn’t stand still. As the business pushes on with their next phase of strategic initiatives, the Head of HR recognises the need to hire a true number two; someone that can be a value-add contributor, deputise in their absence and, in due course, step into the number one position. Before you get there though you’ll need to demonstrate expertise in overseeing employee relations, delivering change and enhancing a culture of performance and engagement, whilst supporting the business with any change initiatives which may involve recruitment, TUPE and organisational design.

While HQ is Northampton, the workforce spans the breadth of the UK with a couple of key hub locations, so you’ll need to be comfortable getting on the road once or twice a week when safety permits and will be based in Northampton. In the meantime, the business is operating a full work from home policy for those that aren’t operational, so you’ll be expected to coordinate the shift back into the office and support managers in managing the transition back and what that looks like for employees.

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for an aspirational Head of HR, ideally with experience of supporting a skilled blue-collar workforce. Experience of working in a growing SME environment or large commercial organisation would be preferred – this may actually be the perfect role for someone that is frustrated or disenchanted with life in a large corporate business, looking for a role with greater influence and more flexibility in decision making. You’ll need to be able to evidence business impact in prior roles and demonstrate a commercial mindset. CIPD qualification would be advantageous.

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