As Founder & CEO of theHRDIRECTOR, I am delighted to be personally working exclusively with this rapidly growing organisation locally in Gloucestershire, who are looking to recruit a HR Director to be a part of the executive leadership team, providing strategic direction and oversight across all human resources activity.

This is an office based role with 4 days per week on-site with travel to their other sites as required. Experience of working for both private and public sectors would be an advantage as well as overseas employment (visas etc).

Competitive salary with flexible benefits.

Job Purpose

As HR Director, you will be a key member of the executive leadership team, providing strategic direction and oversight across all human resources activity for the Group. With a workforce of approximately 300 employees, the role is pivotal in shaping a high-performance culture aligned to our values and future ambitions.

You will lead the transformation and modernisation of our people strategy, ensuring HR acts as an enabler of growth and operational excellence. From talent development and organisational design to engagement and compliance, your leadership will help build an agile, inclusive, and values-driven workplace.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the development and delivery of the Group’s people strategy, aligned to our business goals and growth trajectory.
• Provide trusted counsel to the senior leadership team on all people matters, influencing business decisions with sound HR insight.
• Develop and execute strategic workforce planning, ensuring the Group is well-resourced for future challenges and opportunities.
• Drive cultural transformation and organisational change initiatives, with a focus on engagement, wellbeing, and performance.

Operational Oversight

• Oversee all aspects of HR operations across the Group, including talent acquisition, learning and development, reward, employee relations, DEI, policy development, visa sponsorship and systems optimisation.
• Maintain and evolve robust HR policies and procedures that reflect best practice and legal compliance.
• Monitor key HR metrics and deliver regular reporting and insight to the executive team and Board.
• Ensure the consistent and effective application of HR standards across all business units and brands.
• Implement clear, trackable workflows and documentation standards for all HR processes to ensure transparency and follow-through.
• Establish robust mechanisms for communicating the status and outcomes of HR tasks and initiatives, including timely updates to stakeholders.

Leadership and Team Development

• Leading and motivating a team of four HR and recruitment professionals.
• Provide inspiring leadership to the HR function, fostering a collaborative, solutions-focused and commercially minded team culture.
• Coach and develop HR colleagues to deliver a high-quality and responsive service to managers and employees.
• Strengthen management capability across the organisation, equipping leaders with the confidence and tools to manage people well.
• Lead by example in responsiveness, clarity, and professional accountability.
• Actively seek and respond constructively to feedback from colleagues and leadership, modelling a culture of continuous improvement and mutual respect.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build trusted relationships across the business to ensure the HR function is seen as a credible and valued partner.
• Promote open, honest and inclusive communication across all teams, fostering a culture where people feel respected, supported, and empowered.
• Champion a proactive approach to wellbeing, employee voice, and employer brand.
• Manage relationships with external stakeholders, including universities, industry bodies and the recognised trade union.

Accountability and Communication

• Foster a culture of transparency and ownership across the HR function by implementing tools and habits that ensure visibility of tasks, follow-ups, and results.
• Be proactive and timely in responding to internal communications, setting the standard for professional etiquette and reliability.
• Ensure alignment with leadership feedback and business priorities—challenge constructively, but always in a solution-focused and respectful manner.

Person Specification

Experience and Knowledge

• Proven experience in a senior HR leadership role within a multi-site or group environment, ideally including experience of a restructure or transformation programme.
• Deep knowledge of UK employment law and best practice, including experience of complex ER cases and TUPE.
• Track record of developing and implementing effective people strategies and leading organisational change.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to analyse HR metrics and influence decision-making at executive level.
• Demonstrable experience in building a high-performing HR team and embedding a culture of continuous improvement.

Skills and Attributes

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the presence and credibility to engage and influence at all levels.
• A strategic thinker with a pragmatic and hands-on approach to delivery.
• Strong emotional intelligence and resilience, with the ability to manage sensitive matters with discretion and empathy.
• Flexible and able to travel on a national basis when required.
• Commitment to values-based leadership and fostering a diverse and inclusive culture.
• Commercially aware, curious and adaptable – able to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Chartered CIPD membership or equivalent senior HR qualification.
• Degree-level education in HR, Business, Law or a related field (desirable).

Salary is £65,000-£70,000 pa with ‘flexible’ benefits.

Please email me directly at peter@thehrdirector.com or Apply below with your interest including your CV. I will be back in touch with all applicants personally.