Head of HR

Castle Employment Agency Ltd; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing organisation in York is looking for a Head of HR to lead a small team and take ownership of the HR operational strategy. This hands-on leadership role will have a significant impact on the business and offers a competitive salary along with a supportive team culture, where your skills can truly make a difference.

Benefits

Competitive salary (dependent on experience)

Supportive, down-to-earth team culture

Opportunity to shape HR operations

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior HR role with a strong operational focus.
• CIPD qualified (Level 5 minimum, Level 7 ideal) or equivalent experience.
• Experience in fast-paced, hands-on environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead on all operational HR matters – ER, performance, policies, compliance, recruitment.
• Coach and develop line managers to build confidence in people management.
• Drive improvements in engagement, wellbeing, and employee experience.

Skills

Employee relations knowledge

Proactive and practical approach

People management

Education

CIPD Level 5

CIPD Level 7

Job description

Head of HR – York
Full-Time | Onsite Role | Salary: Competitive (Dependent on Experience)

Are you a hands-on HR leader who thrives on being present, visible, and fully involved in the day-to-day life of a business? We're looking for a Head of HR to join a dynamic and growing organisation based in the York area. This is a key onsite role where your energy, personality, and practical HR expertise will have a real and immediate impact.

About the Role:
This is a hands-on leadership role that requires you to be actively present across the business. We’re looking for someone who is confident building relationships, supporting managers, and making things happen. You’ll lead a small HR team and take full ownership of the operational HR agenda, while also helping shape and support the wider people strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Be a visible, approachable presence across the business
• Provide strong, practical HR support to managers and employees
• Lead on all operational HR matters – ER, performance, policies, compliance, recruitment, and onboarding
• Coach and develop line managers to build confidence in people management
• Drive improvements in engagement, wellbeing, and employee experience
• Lead by example with a people-first, solutions-focused approach
• Support change initiatives, restructures, and development programmes
• Ensure HR practices are legally compliant, efficient, and people-centred

What We’re Looking For:

• Proven experience in a senior HR role with a strong operational focus
• Comfortable being onsite, engaging with all levels of the business daily
• A fun, personable, and approachable leadership style
• Proactive, practical, and solutions-driven – you get things done
• Excellent employee relations knowledge and confident in complex casework
• CIPD qualified (Level 5 minimum, Level 7 ideal) or equivalent experience
• Experience in fast-paced, hands-on environments

What’s on Offer:

• Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
• A role where you can make a real difference, every day
• A supportive, down-to-earth team culture
• Onsite presence with strong visibility and impact
• Opportunity to shape how HR operates across the business