Head of People with Multi-Site Travel

Head of People

Wellingborough, England, United Kingdom (On-site)

(with regular travel required to multiple sites 1-2 days per week approximately/ as needed)

Salary: £90,000

Salary + company car or car allowance

Benefits: 24 days, rising to 25 days holiday entitlement, pension scheme, company sick pay, life insurance, health cash plans, family friendly policies, EV/ULEV car scheme and cycle to work scheme.

Overview

This role is responsible for leading the people strategy across a multi-site operational business, ensuring that workforce plans, leadership capability, employee engagement and organisational performance support commercial objectives. Reporting to the Managing Director, the successful candidate will act as the senior HR leader and trusted adviser to the executive team, translating business goals into practical and measurable people initiatives.

The position works closely with senior stakeholders across manufacturing, distribution, operational and support functions to develop a high-performing, inclusive and commercially focused culture.

Health & Safety Responsibilities

Take reasonable care of your own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by your actions. Support compliance with health, safety and wellbeing policies, procedures and statutory requirements. Promote a culture where safety, wellbeing and employee welfare are embedded in everyday decision-making. Partner with health and safety colleagues to identify and implement initiatives that enhance employee wellbeing, engagement and business performance within agreed budgets and timescales.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement strategic people plans that align with business objectives, operational requirements and future growth ambitions. Act as a trusted adviser to the leadership team, providing commercially focused HR guidance and constructive challenge where appropriate. Ensure consistency and best practice across people policies, governance, talent management and workforce initiatives. Lead organisational design, workforce planning, succession planning, talent development and capability-building activities. Coach and support senior leaders and managers in developing accountable, inclusive and high-performing teams. Manage significant organisational change programmes, consultation exercises and business transformation projects. Oversee complex employee relations matters, including union relationships, collective consultation, pay negotiations and employment tribunal cases where required. Drive employee engagement, wellbeing, diversity and inclusion initiatives while fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Analyse people metrics and workforce data to improve retention, attendance, productivity and leadership effectiveness. Lead and develop the HR team, ensuring excellent service delivery, clear accountability and strong stakeholder relationships across the organisation.

Additional Information

The role requires regular travel between multiple UK sites as business needs dictate, including Scotland The post-holder may be required to undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the nature and seniority of the position.

Essential Skills & Experience

Significant experience in a People leadership role within a manufacturing, logistics, food production, engineering or similarly operational environment. Industrial Relations (IR) Proven ability to translate business strategy into clear, measurable people plans and objectives. Strong commercial awareness with the credibility to influence and challenge senior stakeholders. Extensive knowledge of both strategic and operational HR disciplines, including organisational development, talent management, employee engagement and workforce planning. Experience managing complex employee relations matters, including union engagement, consultation processes and change management programmes. Demonstrated success leading organisational change across multiple sites or business units. Collaborative leadership style with the ability to build strong relationships across diverse stakeholder groups. Proven experience developing HR teams and delivering high-quality, customer-focused people services. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with confidence interpreting and using people data to inform decision-making. CIPD Level 7 qualification, or equivalent senior-level HR experience. A degree in HR, Business Studies or a related discipline is advantageous. Full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel regularly.

Adecco acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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