Head of HR

CMA Recruitment Group; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing SME in Ferndown is seeking a dedicated Head of HR to develop and implement an HR strategy aligned with business goals. This newly created role combines operational delivery with strategic influence, ensuring compliance with UK employment law and managing complex employee relations. The ideal candidate will possess strong HR leadership experience, excellent stakeholder management skills, and a CIPD Level 7 qualification. A competitive salary and benefits package is offered for this impactful position.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Autonomy to shape the HR function

Opportunity to impact a people-focused business

Qualifications

• Experience within an SME or multi-site environment is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of HR best practices and CIPD standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a forward-looking HR strategy aligned with business goals.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the Board and senior leadership team.
• Ensure compliance with UK employment legislation and manage complex employee relations.

Skills

HR leadership experience

Stakeholder management

Understanding of UK employment law

Strategic mindset

Influencing capability

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?

• 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.

CMA complies with all relevant UK legislation and doesn’t discriminate on any protected characteristics.