Interim Head of HR

JR United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Interim Head of HR to lead transformation within their HR function. This pivotal role involves aligning HR strategies with business goals, enhancing team capabilities, and driving operational excellence. The ideal candidate will thrive in a hands-on leadership position, capable of managing HR operations, engaging with stakeholders, and evolving HR policies in a dynamic environment. This is a unique opportunity to influence and shape the future of HR in a rapidly changing organization, making a significant impact on its culture and performance.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Senior HR Business Partner or Head of HR.
• Experience in a unionised environment is essential.

Responsibilities

• Leading end-to-end HR operations including recruitment and compliance.
• Partnering with senior leaders on workforce planning and talent strategy.

Skills

Stakeholder Management

Organisational Change

Talent Development

Workforce Planning

Employee Engagement

Education

Degree in Human Resources or related field

Job description

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? Hybrid | 3 Days in London Office

We’re partnering with a leading organisation in the rail sector to appoint an Interim Head of HR on an initial 12-month contract - with strong potential to go permanent.

The Role

The business is undergoing significant transformation, and this role is pivotal in shaping and executing the HR strategy to support that change. You’ll lead from the front, aligning HR plans with business goals, embedding a positive and high-performance culture, and driving operational excellence across the people function.

This is a hands-on leadership role, ideal for someone who thrives and isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves to deliver real impact. You'll be tasked with enhancing team capability, strengthening HR governance, and ensuring effective processes are in place.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leading end-to-end HR operations: recruitment, onboarding, ER, performance, and compliance
2. Partnering with senior leaders on workforce planning and talent strategy
3. Managing all industrial relations and union engagement
4. Driving employee engagement and evolving HR policies and culture
5. Overseeing supplier contracts, benefits, and reward strategies

About You

1. Proven experience as a Senior HR Business Partner or Head of HR
2. Unionised environment experience is essential
3. Sector experience across either rail, transport, aviation or logistics
4. Skilled in leading organisational change, talent development, and workforce planning
5. Confident stakeholder management skills, able to challenge, influence, and drive people initiatives
6. Resilient, pragmatic, and passionate about building high-performing cultures

Candidates must be available immediately or at very short notice (we cannot accommodate 4-week notice period).

This is a fantastic opportunity to make your mark by shaping the future of HR in a business going through ever-evolving change.