Head of HR

First Achieve Ltd; Luton; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established engineering firm is seeking a strategic HR Manager to lead and develop HR initiatives for a workforce of over 160 employees. This hybrid role, based in Luton, involves managing an HR team and driving programs focused on employee engagement, learning, and organizational culture. Ideal candidates will have a strong HR background, be confident in strategic delivery, and be passionate about driving positive change. Competitive compensation and development opportunities offered.

Benefits

Competitive compensation and benefits packages

Excellent training and development opportunities

Generous annual leave

Contributory pension plan

Recognition reward schemes

Healthcare scheme

Cycle-to-work scheme

Employee discounts across various retailers

Qualifications

• Strong HR generalist background with proven experience in strategic HR delivery.
• Confident working closely with senior leadership teams.
• Skilled in Learning & Development, engagement, succession planning, and cultural development.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver the company's HR Strategy focused on attracting, retaining, and planning talent.
• Manage a team ensuring high-quality HR service delivery.
• Oversee all core HR processes across the employee lifecycle.

Skills

Strategic HR delivery

Employee engagement

Learning & Development

Succession planning

Cultural development

Job description

Job Title: HR Manager (Head of HR)

Location: Luton (Hybrid - Minimum 3 Days On-Site)

Travel: Occasional travel to a secondary UK site (1-2 times per year)

Team: HR Business Partner + HR Administrator

Employees Supported: ~165 employees across two UK locations

Overview

First Achieve Engineering is supporting a long-established engineering and manufacturing business in their search for a strategic and people-focused HR Manager.

This is a key leadership role responsible for guiding the HR function, shaping strategic initiatives, and supporting a workforce of over 160 employees. The successful candidate will lead a high-performing HR team and take ownership of several high-impact people projects already underway.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic HR Leadership – Lead and deliver the company\'s HR Strategy built around three core pillars: Attract, Retain, and Forward Plan.
• Partner with senior leadership to drive a long-term, progressive approach to people development and organisational culture.
• Team Management – Line manage and support a HR Business Partner and HR Administrator, ensuring a high standard of service delivery across both operational and strategic HR activity.
• Employee Engagement – Take ownership of a recently launched Employee Engagement Survey, driving all follow-up actions including communication, focus groups, strategic planning and implementing improvements.
• Learning & Development – Roll out and monitor a newly approved training programme, including:
• Dignity & Respect workshops
• A multi-module Management Development Programme for all people leaders
• Evaluate future skills needs and design ongoing capability initiatives.
• Succession Planning & Workforce Development – Continue the development of a structured Succession Planning framework, addressing role-critical skills, future risk areas, and long-term workforce sustainability.
• Employer Branding & Early Careers – Expand and strengthen School Outreach activity, creating pathways for apprentices, trainees and local talent; support wider employer branding initiatives to enhance visibility within the local community.
• Generalist HR Leadership – Oversee all core HR processes across the full employee lifecycle, including ER, organisational development, policy review, workforce planning, and talent support; promote a proactive, people-first approach within the HR function.

Key Priorities for the First 6-12 Months

• Lead actions and outcomes from the Employee Engagement Survey.
• Drive the rollout of the Management Development Programme.
• Advance the business\'s Succession Planning agenda.
• Build on School Outreach and early careers partnerships.
• Maintain the strategic HR direction that is now established within the business.

Working Pattern

• Hybrid working available with a minimum of 3 days per week on-site at the main site.
• Occasional travel to a secondary location (1-2 times per year).

Ideal Candidate

• Strong HR generalist background with proven experience in strategic HR delivery.
• Confident working closely with senior leadership teams.
• Skilled in L&D, engagement, succession planning, and cultural development.
• Passionate about driving positive organisational change and developing people capability.

Why Work For Us?

• Competitive compensation and benefits packages.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• Generous annual leave with the option to purchase additional days.
• Contributory pension plan with associated life assurance.
• Recognition reward schemes.
• Healthcare scheme with cash back on medical services (dental, optical, etc.).
• Virtual GP service and Employee Assistance Programme.
• Cycle-to-work scheme.
• Wide range of employee discounts, including gyms, high street and online retailers.

Note: This job description reflects the current responsibilities and requirements and is subject to change at the company\'s discretion.