Head of HR

Head of HR (UK)

Location :
Rotherham, South Yorkshire

Salary: £70,000 - £80,000 per annum

Shillito Executive Search are exclusively working alongside and industry leading, global manufacturing company in their search for a Head of HR. We are seeking a commercially astute, resilient and business-minded Head of HR to lead and modernise the UK HR function in Rotherham. This is a high-impact leadership role requiring a decisive Head of HR who prioritises efficiency, drives measurable performance improvement, and confidently leads organisational change.

We are looking for a strategic business partner who understands that HR must enable commercial success, while maintaining robust governance, compliance and strong people foundations.

Working closely with Senior Leadership, this role provides an excellent opportunity for career progression in the coming years.

The Opportunity

The incoming Head of HR will take full ownership of the HR function, ensuring it operates as a lean, commercially aligned and modern department.

A central element of the role is driving efficiency through smarter systems, streamlined processes and better workforce planning. You will also act as the department's AI Champion, identifying opportunities to introduce automation, AI tools and data-driven decision-making to enhance productivity, insight and compliance.

• Lead the full HR function across the employee lifecycle
• Ensure robust compliance with UK employment law, keeping the business protected and proactive
• Provide expert guidance on complex employee relations matters, restructures and organisational change
• Drive workforce planning and cost efficiency aligned to business objectives
• Partner with senior leaders to improve organisational performance and accountability
• Review and strengthen HR policies, governance and risk management frameworks
• Implement and optimise HR systems, analytics and AI-enabled tools
• Lead performance management and capability development initiatives
• Develop and manage one direct report

• Significant HR and leadership experience
• Strong, up-to‑date knowledge of UK employment law and best practice
• Comprehensive understanding of core HR disciplines (ER, performance management, reward, L&D, workforce planning, compliance)
• Demonstrable success leading organisational change and transformation programmes
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to align HR to financial performance
• Confident, resilient and comfortable making difficult decisions
• Data‑driven mindset with interest in AI and process automation

Ambition to grow and progress within a scaling organisation

If you are commercially sharp, operationally strong and ready to build a high‑performing, future‑focused HR function, we welcome your application.

If you have any questions, please contact Georgia at Shillito Executive Search.

Shillito Executive Search specialises in finding top-tier executive talent for leadership, management, and board‑level positions in the manufacturing industry.

We have a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the sector and pride ourselves on doing the right things well.

People are our business