Head Of Hr in Yarm, Stockton-on-Tees

Head of HR/HR DIRECTOR

North Yorkshire /Teesside with a national remit

A successful and independently owned technical services and distribution group is looking to appoint its first truly strategic HR Leader.

The business has grown into a substantial national organisation, employing approximately 130 people across several locations and complementary operating divisions. It combines specialist product distribution with technical services and professional training, serving customers ranging from individual tradespeople to major national organisations.

Having established a strong market position, the business is now preparing for its next stage of development. This will include continued organic growth, further professionalisation of the operating model and the potential acquisition and integration of complementary businesses.

The HR Director will work closely with the owners, Managing Director and senior leadership team to build the people, leadership and organisational capability required to support that ambition.

This is not a role focused solely on HR administration or policy. We are looking for a commercially minded people leader who can understand the organisation, gain the confidence of an entrepreneurial leadership team and introduce appropriate structure without losing the pace, character and customer focus that have made the business successful.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Developing and delivering the group people strategy
• Supporting the owners and leadership team through the next stage of organisational growth
• Reviewing the current organisational structure, responsibilities and reporting lines
• Building leadership and management capability across the business
• Developing practical succession and workforce plans
• Strengthening recruitment, onboarding, development and retention
• Creating a clear and consistent performance-management framework
• Supporting cultural integration following acquisitions
• Improving employee communication and engagement across multiple locations
• Ensuring employment policies, processes and governance remain appropriate and compliant
• Developing meaningful people data and management information
• Leading, developing and appropriately structuring the existing HR function

The successful candidate is likely to be an  HR Director or a Head of HR ready to take on their first full lead appointment.

You will need broad generalist experience gained within a commercially focused, multi-site organisation. Experience of technical services, engineering, distribution, training, manufacturing or another operationally complex environment would be particularly relevant.

We are looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with a practical and visible approach. You must be comfortable working within an owner-led business, able to challenge constructively and capable of building credibility with employees at every level.

Experience of organisational development, leadership succession, change management and acquisition integration would be highly valuable.

The position will be based around Teesside and will require a regular presence at the group’s head office, together with travel to other UK locations.

This is a confidential appointment. Further information will be provided to suitably qualified candidates following an initial conversation.