Interim Human Resources Director

Practicus; London; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Practicus seeks an experienced Interim HR Director for a critical transition period in London. This role involves enhancing HR operations and leading a team to drive performance in a scientific environment. Ideal candidates have robust HR track records and are ready to tackle complex challenges. The position allows for hybrid working, ensuring a balance between presence and flexibility.

Qualifications

• Track record in HR operations, ideally in scientific/academic sectors.
• Experience with unions and shared service models.
• Hands-on leadership with a focus on fixing and delivering.

Responsibilities

• Drive operational performance and clear backlogs.
• Lead a team across multiple locations.
• Oversee recruitment and employee relations.

Skills

HR operations

Leadership

Operational performance

Employee relations

Recruitment

Tools

Oracle Fusion

Job description

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This range is provided by Practicus. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

Interim Director of HR

West and South London locations

Hybrid working – 3–4 days onsite

2–3 months with opportunity to go permanent

Are you an HR operator who gets things done?

Not afraid to make tough calls, sharpen processes, and drive performance?

Ready to lead a hands-on transformation in a world-class scientific and academic environment?

We're looking for a pragmatic, operationally strong Interim HR Director to step in during a critical transition period.

The Mission

The organisation is building a more agile, service-oriented HR function to support ambitious research goals and people-first values.

You’ll bring structure, focus, and leadership to a team navigating change – streamlining operations, embedding consistency, and improving responsiveness.

This is a role for someone who thrives on practical delivery and leads confidently through change.

It's an opportunity to make a real impact, both in the short term and potentially as part of the long-term leadership team.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Drive operational performance – clear backlogs, implement consistent policies, improve SLAs

• Lead a team across two locations

• Tackle ER and union matters – pay negotiations, complex employee relations issues

• Oversee high-volume recruitment activity

• Be hands-on – 3–4 days onsite to build relationships and visibility

• Evaluate capabilities, energise culture, and deliver continuous improvement

What You Bring

• A strong track record in HR operations, ideally in scientific, academic, or charitable sectors

• Experience with unions, pensions, and shared service models

• Hands-on leadership – someone who fixes, not just delegates

• Comfort working in smaller organisations (~1,200 staff)

• Proven ability to enhance policy, service delivery, and engagement

• Familiarity with HR systems like Oracle Fusion

• Confidence to lead through complexity and change

We’d love to hear from you, especially if you can show:

• How you’ve improved HR service, process, and culture

• Where you’ve driven operational excellence in mission-driven environments

• Your role in union relations, pensions, or systems projects

• How you’ve addressed challenging staffing or culture issues

Seniority level

Seniority level

Director

• Seniority level

  Director

Employment type

Employment type

Contract

• Employment type

  Contract

Job function

Job function

Human Resources

• Job function

  Human Resources

• Industries

  Non-profit Organizations and Research Services

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