I am recruiting for a commercially minded Head of HR who combines strategic leadership with hands-on operational delivery. This role is pivotal in managing complex Employee Relations (ER), driving compliance, and implementing HR technology solutions. You'll oversee everything from policy creation to tribunal preparation, while mentoring your team and supporting the business roadmap.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic & Operational HR:
- Manage employee needs daily-from simple queries to ensuring compliance with legal processes.
- Develop and implement HR policies and processes, including random drug testing, sickness policy, and employee handbook.
- Create and manage HR projects such as criminal background checks, performance review processes, e-signature implementation, and sourcing a new HR system.
- Participate in Health & Safety meetings, Driver Representative meetings, and Management meetings to shape the business roadmap.
- Oversee recruitment across the business for both office staff and drivers.
- Mentor and develop the HR Generalist, sharing knowledge and building capability.
- Employee Relations (Heavy ER Focus)
- Handle complex ER cases including settlement agreements, long-term sickness, and gross misconduct.
- Liaise with legal services on complex cases to minimise risk and ensure defensible outcomes.
- Manage Employment Tribunal preparation, ACAS conciliation, and settlement negotiations.
- Provide coaching to managers on ER best practices and compliance.
- Sickness Absence & Capability
- Lead end-to-end management of short- and long-term sickness absence.
- Coordinate Occupational Health, implement reasonable adjustments, and manage return-to-work plans.
- Apply capability procedures, including termination of employment due to ill health, ensuring fairness and compliance.
Technology & Projects:
- Drive HR technology adoption: HRIS, case management systems, and e-signature solutions.
- Use data analytics to monitor ER trends, absence rates, and compliance metrics.
- Champion automation and self-service to improve efficiency.
Compliance & Governance:
- Ensure adherence to UK employment law, ACAS codes, Equality Act 2010, GDPR, and internal policies.
- Maintain audit-ready documentation and case logs.
- Conduct risk assessments and implement controls to reduce ER and compliance risks.
Essential Skills & Experience:
- Proven Head of HR with strong ER experience.
- Expertise in sickness absence management and capability procedures.
- Experience with Employment Tribunals and settlement agreements.
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law and compliance frameworks.
- Tech-savvy with HRIS and digital HR tools.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
Additional Information:
- Fully on site role
- Monday to Friday - 08:30am - 17:30pm
- Standard Pension
- 28 days including Bank Holidays
