Group HR Director

Cherry Professional; Earls Barton; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A privately-owned international group in Earls Barton is seeking a Group HR Director to lead the HR function during a key growth phase. This role involves designing and implementing HR processes, focusing on leadership capability, and ensuring compliance across multiple sites. The ideal candidate will have a strong HR background with at least 5 years in a senior role, capable of combining strategic thinking with practical execution. The position offers a competitive salary of up to £100k plus bonuses and travel opportunities.

Benefits

Bonus up to 30%

Company car or Kindergarten allowance

Occasional home working

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years in a senior HR leadership role.
• Experience in multi-site and international environments.
• Strong background in HR systems and scalable processes.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver a scalable HR strategy across the group.
• Implement HR processes and systems.
• Lead employee engagement and communication strategies.

Skills

Strategic thinking

People-focused

Leadership capability

HR systems implementation

Multi-site experience

Job description

Group HR Director

Location: Rushden, Northamptonshire

Sector: Confidently – privately owned Multi-Site International Group

Package: Up to £100k salary (based on level of experience) + company car or Kindergarten allowance

Bonus: Up to 30% bonus (performance based)

Role Overview

Reporting directly to the Group CEO and working closely with the wider leadership team across the UK and international sites, this newly created role will first focus on delivering essential HR foundations. Within the first 6–12 months, you will design, implement and embed core HR processes, policies and controls to support day‑to‑day operations, including systems, compliance, reporting, and consistent ways of working.

Once those foundations are in place, the role will evolve into a more strategic focus on organisational development, leadership capability and long‑term cultural transformation to support the group’s ambitions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and deliver a scalable HR strategy across the group
• Implement consistent HR processes, systems and tools to support operational effectiveness
• Introduce structure around performance management, reward and talent development
• Build leadership and management capability at all levels
• Develop organisational development programmes aligned to business goals
• Partner with senior leadership to shape and evolve a high‑performance culture
• Lead gesprekken on employee engagement, retention and communication strategies
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation across all locations
• Take ownership of compensation, benefits and policy frameworks

Experience and Skills

• Minimum of 5 years in a senior HR leadership role
• Experience working across multi‑site and international environments
• Strong background in implementing HR systems and scalable processes
• Able to combine strategic thinking with practical delivery
• Exposure to both corporate and SME or family‑owned business settings is desirable
• Commercially aware, people‑focused and confident working in an evolving business
• A leader who inspires trust and drives change in a positive and inclusive way

Package and Conditions

Flexible: Occasional home working to support smart working practices

Travel: Regular travel to UK sites, with occasional international travel as required

Why Apply?

This is a rare opportunity to join a successful and ambitious business at a key point in its growth journey. You will have the freedom to build, shape and lead the HR function and make a real impact from day one. If you are ready to take on a broad, impactful role that combines strategic leadership with hands‑on delivery, we would love to hear from Routes.