HR Director

Sunderland AFC; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Sunderland AFC is seeking a strategic Head of Human Resources to lead people strategy across the club, driving high performance, inclusion, and safeguarding standards.

You will partner with senior leadership to shape workforce planning, recruitment, and performance management while ensuring compliance with employment law, safeguarding requirements including Enhanced DBS, and league frameworks. You will build and lead a capable HR team to support all staff and players.

Qualifications

• Senior HR leadership experience, ideally in sports or high-performance environments.
• CIPD Level 7 or equivalent required.
• Experience in workforce planning, talent forecasting and resource allocation.
• Track record implementing diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and safeguarding frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute HR strategy aligned with the club’s objectives.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, and retention for players, coaching staff, medical personnel, and admin employees.
• Oversee performance management systems, goal setting, appraisals and development plans.
• Manage employee relations, disciplinary issues, grievances, and compliance with employment law.
• Develop and maintain HR policies, safeguarding programs, and compliance frameworks.
• Lead salary structures, benefits, and reward programs.
• Promote wellbeing, mental health, and inclusion initiatives.
• Coordinate learning and development across the organization.
• Ensure HR data, reporting, and analytics inform decisions.
• Collaborate with senior management to align HR with team performance.
• Manage HR team with leadership and development opportunities.
• Stay updated on employment law and league regulations.

Skills

Senior HR leadership

Workforce planning

Diversity & inclusion

Stakeholder management

Employee relations

Performance management

HR analytics

Change management

Education

Level 7 CIPD or equivalent

Tools

HRIS systems

Job description

About the Human Resources Team:

We are dedicated to fostering a vibrant workplace culture that attracts, develops, and retains top talent, ensuring that every member of our team feels valued and empowered to contribute their best.

Our team is passionate about creating a supportive environment, from implementing professional development programs to enhancing employee engagement initiatives.

We also prioritize diversity and inclusion, actively seeking to build a workforce that reflects our community.

The Opportunity:

• Develop and execute the HR strategy to support the club’s objectives, fostering a highperformance and inclusive culture.
• Collaborate with senior management and department heads to identify staffing requirements, skill gaps, and succession planning opportunities.
• Lead the recruitment, onboarding, and retention strategies for players, coaching staff, medical personnel, and administrative employees.
• Oversee the design and implementation of performance management systems, including goal setting, appraisals, and professional development plans.
• Manage employee relations, including handling disciplinary issues, grievances, and ensuring compliance with legal and contractual obligations.
• Develop and maintain HR policies, procedures, and compliance frameworks in line with employment law, league regulations, and governing bodies.
• Lead negotiations on employment contracts and manage salary structures, benefits, and reward programs.
• Promote staff wellbeing initiatives, mental health support, and diversity & inclusion programs.
• Coordinate learning and development initiatives aimed at enhancing skills across all levels of the organization.
• Ensure effective management of HR data, reporting, and analytics to inform decisionmaking.
• Collaborate with senior management and coaching staff to align HR practices with team performance and organizational needs.
• Manage the HR team, providing leadership, guidance, and development opportunities.
• Stay informed on industry best practices and legislative changes impacting employment and sports management.
• Oversee the management and ongoing development of the club’s adherence to the Premier League’s PLEDIS framework or EFL’s Code of Practice, ensuring compliance and active participation in leaguewide EDI programs.

What We Ask For:

• Extensive experience in senior HR roles, preferably within sports, entertainment, hospitality or high-performance organisations.
• Level 7 CIPD or minimum of 3 years experience in HR Business Parter or HR Management roles.
• Extensive experience in workforce planning, including developing longterm staffing strategies, talent forecasting, and resource allocation to support organizational growth.
• Demonstrable success in developing and implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives, with practical experience managing frameworks such as the Premier League’s PLEDIS or equivalent.
• Strong background in safeguarding policies and procedures, with experience working closely with safeguarding teams, managing safeguarding protocols, and handling sensitive safeguarding matters.
• Proven track record of recruiting, onboarding, and retaining diverse talent across multiple levels; experience with vetting, background checks, and safeguarding compliance.
• Experience leading organizational change management initiatives, including cultural transformation projects and strategic HR developments.
• Wellversed in employee relations management, including handling complex issues related to discrimination, harassment, grievance procedures, and conflict resolution.
• Knowledge of employment law, health and safety regulations, and legal frameworks relevant to highperformance and sports organizations.
• Ability to lead and develop multidisciplinary HR teams, fostering highperformance, engagement, and continuous professional development.
• Experience managing HR analytics, workforce metrics, and reporting to inform strategic decisions.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with senior executives, coaching staff, safeguarding teams, and external agencies.

You will be required to obtain an Enhanced DBS through SAFC.