Head of HR Consultancy & Training

Are you a dynamic HR leader ready to take the reins of a growing consultancy and training division? We're looking for a Head of HR Consulting and Training to lead our national HRCT team at Make UK - the voice of UK manufacturing.

In this player-manager role, you'll combine strategic leadership with hands-on client delivery, shaping and growing a high-performing, commercially successful HR consulting and training business. From designing innovative HR products to building trusted partnerships with clients and strategic associates, this role is a fantastic opportunity to make a measurable impact across the UK's manufacturing and engineering sectors.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Team Management:

• Lead the national HR consulting and training delivery team with a focus on inclusive and effective leadership, driving a high-performing professional team to achieve quality and commercial service targets.
• Oversee and coordinate a team of associates and a planned series of strategic partnerships / white-label arrangements to deliver additional, specialised consultancy and training services to Make UK clients.
• Create business plans and budgets and provide insightful regular reports on performance.
• Ensure fee and profit growth targets are met, utilising smart reporting and analytics.

Business Development & Client Relationship Management

• Lead the identification, development, and implementation of opportunities to market and sell HRCT, with strategies to improve lead generation, client retention and meet annual targets.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the business, especially in Marketing and BD, to identify and convert sales and cross-sales opportunities.

Product and Service Innovation:

• Develop innovative and popular consulting and training products aimed at our target market segments and personas.

Quality and Continuous Improvement:

• Continuously improve the quality of Make UK's HRCT service and Products.
• Oversee the needs analysis, design, delivery, validation, and evaluation of HR Commercial Servies interventions, training, and seminars.

Operational Excellence:

• Implement and manage operational systems, processes, and policies to support business efficiency, including looking for cross-departmental cooperation and collaboration opportunities

The Candidate

HR Knowledge

• Understanding of current HR challenges in manufacturing and the wider industry.
• Experience in a commercial client-facing HR consulting role, preferably working with mid-large sized companies
• Excellent up-to-date technical knowledge and skills in HR best practice gained through continuing professional development as well as practical working experience.
• Understanding of the training and development cycle (TNA, design, delivery, validation, and evaluation of learning).
• Track record of successful, commercial, P&L responsibility or running own business
• Ability to analyse HR metrics and provide actionable insights.
• Ability to work and communicate at the highest level, think strategically, and deliver on objectives.
• Strong negotiation skills and commercially focused.

Leadership and Team Management:

• Proven ability to lead and influence teams and stakeholders.
• Strong leadership and team-building abilities.
• Ability to interact and collaborate with stakeholders at various levels across delivery teams and the client base.

Communication and Relationship Building:

• Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
• Good client relationship management skills.
• Ability to convey information clearly, accurately, and convincingly.
• Excellent presentation and facilitation skills.

With over 125 years of experience, Make UK is a leading provider of essential business support and a champion for manufacturing industry in the UK. Make UK has the close ear of Government and is a trusted provider of essential services for world leading manufacturing companies across the country. Everything we do is designed to inspire British manufacturers to compete, innovate and grow.

Make UK staff enjoy a good benefits package and values a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Benefits to include, but not limited to: Free parking, meal service on site, no bank holiday/weekend work, flexible hours, health cover, matched pension contributions up to 8%, and life assurance.

We are committed to supporting the Armed Forces Community and we recognise the contribution that Service personnel, both regular and reservist, veterans and military families make to our organisation and have pledged to support this by signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant.

Our Values at Make UK: Inclusivity & Diversity, Integrity, Innovation, & Collaboration

Apply If this position interests you, and you would like to learn more or explore other available jobs that could also match your skill set, please apply today or email

Make UK UK (0) See all Make UK's jobs Bio Make UK is a leading advocate for UK manufacturers, championing growth, innovation, and resilience in the sector. With a history spanning over 130 years, the organisation has supported businesses of all sizes, from ambitious start-ups to global industry leaders.Through campaigning, sector expertise, and a comprehensive range of business services, Make UK helps manufacturers navigate challenges and seize opportunities. Its extensive network fosters collaboration across regional and national communities, enabling businesses to share knowledge and drive industry progress.Make UK provides deep expertise in critical areas such as skills development, policy advocacy, and compliance. Its renowned apprenticeship training programs equip the next generation with the skills needed to support the sector's future.Committed to shaping the landscape of UK manufacturing, Make UK continues to influence policy, support innovation, and empower businesses to thrive in an evolving industrial environment.