Head of HR

Ipsum Utilities Limited; Lancashire; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utility provider is seeking a Head of HR to shape the people strategy and implement HR initiatives driving performance and engagement. You will partner with the senior leadership team and manage HR projects that influence organizational growth. The ideal candidate has extensive HR experience, strong stakeholder management skills, and a solid understanding of talent management and succession planning. A CIPD Level 7 qualification is preferred. The role comes with hybrid working opportunities and a commitment to equality and diversity.

Benefits

25 annual leave plus bank holidays

Hybrid working

Group Personal Pension Plan

Career development & progression

24/7 access to a virtual GP

Cycle to Work scheme

Discount club

Life assurance cover

Long service recognition

Paid volunteering opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven track record of leading HR teams and building partnerships with business leaders.
• Expertise in cultural and organisational change management.
• Strong knowledge of talent management and succession planning.

Responsibilities

• Partner with SLT to shape and deliver business strategy through HR initiatives.
• Lead organisational change to support growth and maintain positive culture.
• Drive integration of acquisitions and provide strategic leadership to HR team.

Skills

Senior-level HR experience

Stakeholder management

Cultural change management

Talent management

Communication skills

Education

CIPD Level 7 qualification

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Job description

What’s in it for you?

• 25 annual leave plus bank holidays with the option to buy more
• Hybrid working
• Group Personal Pension Plan
• Career development & progression with the opportunity to earn professional qualifications
• 24/7 access to a virtual GP and mental health support & counselling services
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Discount club - supermarkets, phone bills, gyms & more!
• Life assurance cover
• Long service recognition
• Active local social committees
• Regular social events
• Paid volunteering opportunities in your community

About the role

The UK’s utilities and infrastructure sector is growing fast—and so are we. At Ipsum, we deliver tailored power and electrical solutions, from maintenance to major installations, all supported by smart technologies. Our vision is to be the leading customer‑focused provider of specialist utility and infrastructure solutions across public and private networks.

As Head of HR, you’ll play an important role in shaping our people strategy. You will implement HR initiatives that drive performance, talent management, succession planning, engagement and retention across the division. Acting as a key strategic partner within the Senior Leadership Team, you’ll influence stakeholders and operate effectively at both strategic and operational levels. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead impactful projects, champion cultural change, and make a real difference to business success.

As Head of HR you will …

• Partner with the Power division SLT to shape and deliver business strategy through HR initiatives.
• Lead organisational change to support growth while maintaining a positive culture and engagement.
• Drive integration of acquisitions and provide strategic leadership to the operational HR team.
• Oversee divisional HR projects including restructures, TUPE, redeployments and redundancies.
• Design and implement initiatives to build leadership capability and improve performance.
• Act as escalation point for complex people issues and ensure compliance with HR processes.
• Champion employee experience, engagement and retention strategies across the division.
• Lead succession planning, talent reviews and development programmes.
• Ensure competitive pay, benefits and progression structures to attract and retain talent.
• Use HR metrics and insights to drive performance and prepare divisional reports for leadership.
• Motivate and lead a high‑performing HR team, ensuring continuous improvement of systems and practices.

About you

We’re looking for a Head of HR with extensive senior‑level experience. You’ll have a proven track record of leading HR teams, building trusted partnerships with business leaders, and delivering commercially focused, solutions‑driven advice. Expertise in cultural and organisational change management is essential, along with strong knowledge of talent management, succession planning and engagement strategies. You should be confident using HR systems and data insights, with excellent stakeholder management and communication skills to influence at all levels.

The ideal candidate will combine strategic thinking with a hands‑on approach, demonstrating resilience, adaptability and a proactive mindset in a fast‑paced environment. Strong employment law knowledge, commercial awareness, and the ability to navigate complex challenges are key. CIPD Level 7 qualification and Chartered membership are preferred, along with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification.

Our commitment to Equal Opportunities …

We’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and experiences, and we’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.

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