Head of HR

Hillier Nurseries Ltd; Ampfield; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A family-owned horticultural company in the UK is looking for an experienced Head of HR. You will lead the central HR and Learning & Development function, supporting managers across multiple sites. Key responsibilities include managing HR operations, providing practical HR advice, and ensuring compliance with UK employment law. The role requires strong leadership in HR and a commitment to fostering a positive work culture. Competitive salary and various benefits offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary, plus car allowance

31 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays)

Employee discount

Group Personal Pension Scheme

Life Assurance Cover

Private Healthcare

Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Free parking

Complimentary access to the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

Qualifications

• CIPD Level 5 or 7 or equivalent experience.
• Experience managing recruitment, onboarding, and performance processes.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the HR and Learning & Development team.
• Support HR operations including employee relations and recruitment.
• Provide HR advice aligned with business needs.

Skills

CIPD Level 5 or Level 7

Strong generalist HR background

Experience leading an HR and/or L&D team

Commercial awareness

Strong knowledge of UK employment law

Pragmatic advice handling employee relations

Strong organisational skills

Education

CIPD Level 5 or Level 7

Job description

Hillier Nurseries is a long‑established, family‑owned business with a proud heritage and a commitment to excellence across our tree and plant nurseries and our network of 22 garden centres. We are seeking an experienced and people‑centred Head of HR to join us on a full‑time basis, to lead our central HR and Learning & Development function and ensure the delivery of a high‑quality, efficient, and supportive service across the organisation.

The Head of HR will provide strategic and operational leadership to the HR and Learning & Development team, ensuring managers are supported with clear, practical guidance and that HR processes remain compliant, effective, and aligned with business needs. Working closely with managers across all sites, the postholder will play a key role in shaping a positive, inclusive culture and enabling confident, consistent people management.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, support, and develop the central HR and L&D team to deliver a responsive, high‑quality service.
• Oversee day‑to‑day HR operations, including employee relations, recruitment, onboarding, performance processes, and HR administration.
• Build strong relationships and act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and managers across nurseries, garden centres, and support functions.
• Provide clear, practical HR advice to ensure fair, consistent, and legally compliant decision‑making.
• Support organisational change, restructures, and role design, ensuring processes are well‑planned, compliant, and sensitively managed.
• Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date HR policies, procedures, and documentation.
• Manage the HR & L&D budget, including forecasting and cost control.
• Work with the L&D Manager to support mandatory training and wider development activity.
• Ensure accurate HR records and effective use of HR systems and reporting tools.
• Produce HR reports, analyse data, and present insights and recommendations.
• Support people‑related projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist managers with recruitment, job design, advertising, selection, and onboarding.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and collaborative working culture.
• Ensure HR practices comply with employment law, GDPR, and internal governance.
• Lead or support employee engagement activity, including surveys and action planning.
• Work closely with payroll to ensure accurate and timely processing of information.
• Travel to Hillier sites as required.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties to meet business needs.

Skills And Experience

• CIPD Level 5 or Level 7, or equivalent experience.
• Strong generalist HR background supporting managers across a range of issues.
• Experience leading an HR and/or L&D team.
• Commercial awareness with the ability to balance people and operational priorities.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Confident handling employee relations matters and providing pragmatic advice.
• Experience managing recruitment, onboarding, and performance processes.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Comfortable working in a hands‑on, fast‑paced environment.

Desirable

• Experience in a multi‑site or retail‑based organisation.
• Familiarity with HR systems and reporting tools.
• Experience supporting Learning & Development activity.
• Experience supporting TUPE transfers.

Personal Attributes

• Approachable, supportive, and confident in building strong working relationships.
• Clear communicator with a practical, solutions‑focused approach.
• Calm, composed, and resilient when managing sensitive or complex situations.
• High attention to detail and commitment to high standards.
• Discreet, professional, and trusted with confidential information.
• Proactive, organised, and able to prioritise effectively.
• Positive role model who promotes fairness, inclusion, and collaboration.
• Adaptable to changing business needs.
• Committed to continuous improvement and delivering an excellent HR service.

Due to the nature of this role, the successful applicant will be required to complete a basic DBS check. The cost of this will be covered by the Company.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, plus car allowance.
• 31 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays).
• Employee discount.
• Group Personal Pension Scheme.
• Life Assurance Cover.
• Private Healthcare.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) with retail discounts.
• Free parking.
• Complimentary access to the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.

Please note that we can only consider candidates already located in the UK with the right to work.

Closing date: 11 February 2026. Hillier Nurseries reserves the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications.