People Director

About our client;Our client, headquartered in Newcastle employs c.130 staff located throughout a European office network. In this challenging and high profile role, the People Director will serve as a true business partner, supporting the Board and wider management team in reaching the Group's global aspirations, including expansion into the US.The opportunity;As a key member of the Senior Management team, the People Director will be jointly responsible for the development & delivery of a People strategy linked to achieving the overall business strategy of the Group and driving a culture that will create a working environment that challenges, stimulates and rewards people, allowing their full potential to be realised.The successful candidate will modernise HR systems, strengthen leadership capability, uplift culture, and deliver measurable improvements in people outcomes within 12 months.Specifically, main duties will require supporting the Operational Board in defining, developing, implementing & overseeing:

• Effective systems and processes in collaboration with hiring leaders that will allow the business to recruit and retain the best people,
• A Training and development programme, including developing leadership & management capability,
• A clear performance management system that will motivate and reward achievement within the Group,
• Talent management & succession planning to enable continuous expansion,
• All People practises and employee related governance across the Group to ensure consistency & compliance with required regulation.

Initially a stand-alone role, the People Director will be responsible for building a modern People Experience function capable of supporting the group, and working closely with Accounts and Payroll colleagues, be responsible for all operational HR duties that include management of employee records & the HR system/ database, employee contracts, comp. & ben. issues, holiday/absence facilitation, inductions, and all general employment issues as they arise.Hybrid working with 2 days a week in Newcastle and occasional UK/International travel.Part time (4 days a week) is also considered.What We're Looking For;You will have knowledge and experience of :

• working in an international and multi-site business & dealing with employment related issues in multiple countries. (organisational complexity and cultural barriers etc ).
• working in a service or high skill & knowledge based environment.
• dealing with challenging problems, motivating and influencing colleagues of all levels.
• dealing with professional advisors & suppliers ( lawyers, payroll providers , etc)

Will:

• be an experienced, confident, robust HR professional (CIPD qualified or equivalent).
• have a positive mindset, be personable, with a hands-on approach to operational HR activities.
• demonstrate initiative and be driven and committed to see strategic ideas through from inception.
• have strong commercial acumen and be credible with senior leaders; able to challenge effectively.

Nigel Wright HR;For more information about this exciting opportunity or to discuss your next career move, please contact Sue O'Donovan.