Group Head of HR

Huntress; London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A multi-site organization in London seeks a Group Head of HR to oversee a complete HR function. This role combines strategic leadership with operational delivery in HR management, employee lifecycle, and health & safety compliance. Ideal candidates will be degree educated, hold a minimum CIPD Level 5, and possess strong knowledge of UK employment laws.

Qualifications

• Experience managing ER, performance, and absence cases independently.
• Strong commercial awareness and hands-on approach.
• International HR experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement people plans aligned to business priorities.
• Oversee full employee lifecycle and manage employee benefits schemes.
• Ensure HR policies are legally compliant and run employee engagement surveys.

Skills

Broad generalist HR experience

Knowledge of UK employment law

Strategic thinking

Excellent interpersonal skills

Education

Degree educated

CIPD Level 5 minimum

Job description

Group Head of HR
Location: London (4 days in the office, 1 day WFH subject to operational needs)

We are seeking a highly capable and experienced Group Head of HR to deliver a complete and wide-ranging HR business partnering, health & safety, and operational service across a dynamic, multi-site group of companies. This is a hands-on leadership role, working closely with the senior leadership team to shape and implement both short- and long-term people strategies that drive performance and engagement.

Key Responsibilities

HR Leadership & Generalist Management

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Partner with management teams to design and implement people plans aligned to business priorities
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Oversee the full employee lifecycle from pre-employment checks through onboarding, employee changes, and exit processes
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Lead on organisation design, restructures, complex ER case work, and policy development
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Manage employee benefits schemes including LTIP, private healthcare, and bonuses
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Partner with Finance to run payroll, ensuring accuracy and timely submissions
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Ensure HR policies are legally compliant and up to date
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Run the annual employee engagement survey and report results to senior stakeholders
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Maintain HRIS and related portals, ensuring accurate records and reporting

Learning & Development

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Identify, source, and manage training and development opportunities
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Oversee international HR policy updates in line with legal changes

Health & Safety

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Coordinate annual H&S audits across UK sites
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Maintain compliance documentation, driver safety checks, and H&S eLearning
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Organise First Aider and Fire Warden training
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Manage PAT testing schedules

Operational & ESG

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Support office openings, moves, and liaise with office management providers
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Contribute to ESG strategy, drafting policies and managing related projects

Skills & Experience

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Degree educated, CIPD Level 5 minimum, with broad generalist HR experience
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Strong knowledge of UK employment law; international experience (Australia/Canada) an advantage
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Proven ability to manage ER, performance, and absence cases independently
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Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach and strong commercial awareness
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Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, credible at all levels

This role offers a rare opportunity to lead the HR function across a diverse and growing organisation, combining strategic leadership with day-to-day operational delivery.

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.