Head of HR

Salary £85,000 – £100,000
Based at Stockley Business Park, Uxbridge
Office-based role

Contract: 12-month maternity cover (start Mid-September 2026)

A well-established manufacturing organisation is seeking an experienced Head of HR to join its team based at Stockley Business Park on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This is a strategic, hands-on leadership role responsible for shaping and delivering the UK HR strategy while supporting day-to-day operations. Working closely with the leadership team, you will drive people initiatives that enhance organisational performance, strengthen capability, and foster a high-performing culture. This is an excellent opportunity to make a real impact within a dynamic business.

Candidates must be available to start mid-September.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of the HR strategy, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and supporting business growth.
• Provide strategic leadership across HR, Fleet, Facilities, and Health & Safety, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery.
• Oversee day-to-day operational activities while driving continuous improvement, best practice, and operational excellence.
• Act as a trusted partner to senior leaders, providing expert advice on people strategy, organisational development, workforce planning, and change management.
• Lead the design and implementation of HR policies, systems, and frameworks, ensuring compliance with employment legislation and best practice.
• Manage complex employee relations matters, including performance management, disciplinary and grievance processes, and trade union consultation and negotiations.
• Lead strategic initiatives to enhance employee engagement, talent development, leadership capability, recruitment, and organisational performance.
• Take responsibility for organisational design and restructuring projects in partnership with senior leadership.
• Oversee Health & Safety compliance and continuous improvement, ensuring a safe and effective working environment.
• Work closely with the Finance team to ensure the accurate and timely delivery of payroll.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement across the organisation.

Experience & Skills

• A strategic and hands-on HR leader with the ability to align people strategy with business objectives.
• Proven experience partnering with senior leaders to influence decision-making and drive organisational performance.
• CIPD level 5 qualified
• Comfortable managing both strategic initiatives and day-to-day operational responsibilities across HR, Fleet, Facilities, and Health & Safety.
• Experience of working in a small HR department (team of 2)
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law, employee relations, and organisational change.
• Experience working with trade unions, including consultation and negotiation.
• An inspiring people leader with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Data-driven, commercially aware, and committed to continuous improvement.

Benefits

• 25 days' holiday
• Contributory pension starting at 5%/5%, rising with service
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free on-site parking
• Free Friday breakfast
• Hours: Monday – Friday 9 am -5.15 pm

Huntress Search Ltd acts as a Recruitment Agency in relation to all Permanent roles and as a Recruitment Business in relation to all Temporary roles.

We practice a diverse and inclusive recruitment process that ensures equal opportunity for all we work with, irrespective of race, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, age or gender. As an organisation, we encourage applications from all backgrounds and will ensure measures are met when required, to allow a fair process throughout.

PLEASE NOTE: We can only consider applications from candidates who have the right to work in the UK.