Head of HR

Farrer Barnes Limited; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established business on the outskirts of Maidstone is seeking an experienced Head of HR. In this senior role, you will work closely with the CEO and senior leaders to embed people strategies into business decisions, shaping talent management and organisational change. The ideal candidate will have strong HR leadership experience and excellent communication skills, balancing strategic planning with hands-on delivery. This position offers a real influence on the business direction and a supportive leadership team.

Benefits

On-site parking

Company pension

Opportunity to shape and develop HR function

Qualifications

• Proven hands-on experience is equally valuable to CIPD certification.
• Ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels.
• Strong knowledge across the full HR spectrum.

Responsibilities

• Act as trusted advisor to the CEO and Senior Leadership Team.
• Embed people considerations into business strategy.
• Lead talent management and succession planning initiatives.
• Oversee HR policies and compliance across the employee lifecycle.

Skills

CIPD

Senior HR leadership experience

Strategic and operational HR

Employee relations expertise

Policy development

Change management

Excellent communication skills

Strong organisational skills

Analytical approach

Job description

The Company

I’m supporting a well‑established business based on the outskirts of Maidstone, known for its strong culture, values, and commitment to people development. With continued growth and an evolving leadership structure, they are now looking to appoint an experienced Head of HR to lead and shape the HR function.

The Role

This is a senior, strategic HR leadership role, reporting directly to the CEO and sitting as a key member of the senior leadership team. As Head of HR, you will bring a strong people perspective to business decisions, balancing strategic planning with hands‑on delivery.

You’ll lead the HR and L&D function, partnering closely with senior leaders to design and implement people strategies that drive engagement, wellbeing, performance, and capability across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Acting as a trusted advisor to the CEO and Senior Leadership Team
• Embedding people considerations into business strategy and decision‑making
• Shaping and delivering the people strategy in line with business objectives, culture, and values
• Translating business goals into practical people plans that support engagement, wellbeing, and performance
• Leading talent management, succession planning, and capability development initiatives
• Managing and developing the HR and L&D team, ensuring a high‑quality, people‑focused service
• Leading on organisational change and transformation projects
• Overseeing HR policies, processes, and compliance across the full employee lifecycle
• Balancing strategic leadership with operational, hands‑on HR delivery

Skills & Experience

• CIPD (though proven hands‑on experience is equally valuable).
• Proven experience in a senior HR leadership role
• Comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels
• Strong knowledge across the full HR spectrum, including employee relations, policy, OD, and change
• Demonstrable experience leading and developing an HR function or team
• Confident influencer with the ability to challenge and support senior leaders
• Excellent written and verbal communication skillsStrong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines
• Analytical, pragmatic, and solutions‑focused approach
• Personal Attributes
• Credible, visible HR leader with strong personal impact
• People‑first mindset with the ability to translate strategy into action
• Resilient, adaptable, and confident managing change
• Collaborative and approachable, able to build trust across all levels

Benefits

• Senior leadership position with real influence on business direction
• Supportive and values‑led leadership team
• Opportunity to shape and develop the HR function
• On‑site parking
• Company pension

Register Your Interest

If this role isn’t quite right for you, please don’t hesitate to register with us. We’d be delighted to arrange a consultation and help you find your next career move.

Farrer Barnes Ltd does not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, gender, disability, creed or sexual orientation and complies with all relevant UK legislation. Farrer Barnes Ltd acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers.