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Permanent

Director of People

Newcastle upon Tyne
money-bag £85000 - £105000/annum
225172474
Posted Today

About the Role

On behalf of our client we are seeking an experienced, forward-thinking, and fully qualified Head of HR / Director of People to join the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). This is a pivotal role for a visionary people leader who can apply strong, inspirational leadership skills to promote and embed a diverse, inclusive, and high-performance culture across the organisation.

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will be at the forefront of shaping the company’s future through its most important asset—its people. With a strategic, data-driven mindset and a proven record of implementing innovative people solutions, you will align HR initiatives with the company's long-term business goals while effectively leading, mentoring, and upskilling a small, dedicated HR team.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic HR Leadership & Governance

  • Formulate and implement a comprehensive 5-year HR strategy and operational plan designed to support the achievement of the broader macro business plan.
  • Serve as an active member of the Senior Leadership Team, providing expert professional advice to executives and senior management on employment law, HR policy, best practice, and workforce development.
  • Hold full accountability for corporate compliance with current employment legislation, professional industry standards, and regulatory policies.
  • Budget and manage the annual HR department finances efficiently to maximize ROI on people initiatives.

Performance, Talent & Culture Development

  • Champion a high-performance culture focused on successful outcomes, continuous development, and the devolution of day-to-day HR responsibilities to line managers.
  • Design, launch, and lead a modernized performance review programme that actively supports continuous professional development for all employees.
  • Oversee the creation, monitoring, and execution of robust training, learning and development (L&D), and succession plans across the business.
  • Act as an internal executive coach, mentoring senior colleagues to identify leadership strengths and organizational development needs.
  • Promote inspirational leadership by visibly demonstrating company values and championing the leadership behavior framework.

Operational Excellence & Employee Experience

  • Lead, support, and develop a small internal HR team, increasing their capability, sharing industry best practices, and ensuring elite professional standards.
  • Conduct ongoing strategic reviews of the company’s occupational health provision, employee welfare programmes, and staff benefits/reward packages to maximize retention.
  • Design and implement standardized, high-quality onboarding processes to ensure a seamless candidate-to-employee transition.
  • Create and oversee a progressive Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DE&I) roadmap that aligns with company values, business commitments, and commercial strategy.
  • Determine and track relevant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) tied directly to corporate incentive and reward schemes.

Data-Driven Insight & Change Management

  • Apply extensive analytical knowledge to translate People metrics, HRIS data, and statistical reports into actionable boardroom insights and trend-adjustments.
  • Lead the continuous improvement agenda, focusing on engagement activities, workplace welfare, and maximizing organizational productivity.
  • Drive smooth change management initiatives across the business, guiding teams through structural transformations with minimal operational disruption.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Experience & Qualifications:

  • Proven track record in a Senior HR Business Partner, HR Manager, or similar strategic HR leadership role.
  • Strong commercial acumen with a verified history of translating complex business needs into effective people strategies.
  • Relevant professional HR qualification (e.g., CIPD Level 7 or equivalent experience) with an ongoing commitment to continuous professional development.
  • Tech-savvy with a data-driven approach, possessing practical experience working with modern HRIS platforms and advanced people analytics tools.

Essential Behavioral Competencies:

  • Exceptional HR Knowledge: Advanced understanding of talent acquisition, employee engagement, cultural change frameworks, pay/reward structures, and L&D structures.
  • Strategic & Analytical Thinking: Ability to confidently interpret HR data, spot macro-trends, and convert findings into clear resourcing adjustments.
  • Emotional Intelligence: A high level of empathy, self-awareness, and active listening, with the natural ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics.
  • Relationship Management: Outstanding people skills with a history of building trust and nurturing highly collaborative relationships at all levels of the business.
  • Resilience & Adaptability: The confidence to give expert advice under pressure and thrive within a fast-paced, evolving environment.

To Apply

If you are an inspirational, data-driven HR leader ready to make a defining impact on an organisation’s future growth, apply online today.

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