Head of HR

CMA Recruitment Group; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing SME in Ferndown seeks a Head of HR to lead and shape the HR function. The role involves developing HR strategies, ensuring compliance with UK employment law, and embedding performance management frameworks. The ideal candidate has experience in HR leadership within an SME, knowledge of CIPD standards, and strong stakeholder management skills. This position offers a competitive salary and the chance to impact a people-focused organization.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Autonomy to shape the HR function

Opportunity to impact a growing business

Qualifications

• HR leadership experience, ideally within an SME or multi-site environment.
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law, HR best practice and CIPD professional standards.
• Excellent stakeholder-management and influencing capability.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a forward-looking HR strategy aligned to business goals.
• Ensure full compliance with UK employment legislation and ACAS best practice.
• Design and embed performance management frameworks.

Skills

HR leadership experience

Strong UK employment law knowledge

Stakeholder management

Strategic mindset

Education

CIPD Level 7 or equivalent

Job description

CMA HR Division is delighted to be supporting a growing SME based in Ferndown as they appoint their first dedicated Head of HR. This is a newly created role offering the opportunity to take full ownership of the HR function – combining operational delivery with the development of HR practices that will support the business through its next phase of growth. Reporting in at board level.

What will the Head of HR role involve?

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and deliver a forward-looking HR strategy aligned to business goals
• Act as a trusted advisor to the Board and senior leadership team
• Champion diversity, equity and inclusion across the organisation

Employee Relations & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with UK employment legislation and ACAS best practice
• Manage complex employee relations matters including grievances, disciplinaries and TUPE activity
• Maintain up-to-date HR policies, procedures and employee handbook

Performance, Learning & Development

• Design and embed performance management frameworks
• Oversee learning and development programmes to build capability and career pathways
• Promote a culture of continuous feedback and development
• Support delivery of reward and recognition initiatives aligned to business values
• Ensure accurate payroll input and integration of bonus, commission and incentive schemes
• Oversee HR systems, data integrity and meaningful reporting to support decision‑making

Suitable candidate for the HR Manager vacancy:

• HR leadership experience, ideally within an SME or multi‑site environment
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law, HR best practice and CIPD professional standards
• Excellent stakeholder‑management and influencing capability
• Strategic mindset with a hands‑on, pragmatic approach
• CIPD Level 7 or equivalent professional qualification preferred

Additional benefits and information for the HR Manager role:

• Newly created position with autonomy to shape the HR function
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunity to make a genuine impact in a people‑focused, growing business

If you’re an experienced HR professional who enjoys combining strategic influence with day‑to‑day delivery, this is a fantastic opportunity to build and lead a modern HR function from the ground up.

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