Title: Head of HR / People

Location: Runcorn (On-site)
Reporting to: Managing Director
Direct Reports: Head of Shared Services
Salary: Up to £60k DOE

We are part of the Direct Group, one of the UK’s leading providers of debt recovery and legal enforcement services. Through DCBL and DCB Legal, we deliver a fully integrated service, from pre-legal collections through to litigation and enforcement.

Due to continued growth, we are looking to appoint a Head of HR / People. As the Head of HR / People, you will sit on the Leadership Team and report directly to the Managing Director. You will own the entire employee lifecycle end-to-end, balancing high-level business strategy with hands-on execution. You will drive talent acquisition, further shape company culture, ensure robust HR governance and compliance, and act as a trusted advisor to the leadership team during our next phase of growth.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop, own and deliver a People Strategy that supports the organisation's objectives, culture and future growth ambitions.
• Work closely with the Board of Directors and Senior Leadership Team to provide expert advice, challenge and support on all people-related matters.
• Lead the development of effective people plans, policies, processes and frameworks that support both employees and business performance.
• Ensure equality, diversity, inclusion and wellbeing considerations are embedded within business planning and decision-making.
• Maintain a strong understanding of external market trends, employment legislation and best practice, translating insights into practical action.

Organisational Development & Workforce Planning

• Lead workforce planning, organisational design and capability development to ensure the business is equipped for future growth.
• Champion learning and development initiatives, creating clear opportunities for employees to develop and progress their careers.
• Support succession planning and talent management activities to build future organisational capability.
• Drive initiatives that strengthen employee engagement, retention and organisational culture.

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Build strong relationships with stakeholders across the organisation, acting as a trusted advisor and partner to leaders at all levels.
• Develop effective working relationships with external partners, suppliers and professional advisers to support the delivery of the People Strategy.
• Lead, coach and develop the HR team, creating a high-performing function focused on excellence, continuous improvement and exceptional service delivery.

Qualifications & Experience

• Significant experience in a senior HR leadership role, such as Head of People, Head of HR, Senior HR Business Partner or similar.
• Demonstrable experience developing and delivering people strategies aligned to business objectives.
• Proven experience coaching, influencing and challenging senior leaders and executive stakeholders.
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Experience leading organisational change, workforce planning and employee engagement initiatives.
• Experience managing and developing HR teams.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to use people data and insights to drive decision-making.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• CIPD Level 5 or Level 7 qualified (or equivalent experience).

Personal Attributes

• Commercially minded with a strong understanding of business operations.
• Strategic thinker with a pragmatic, hands-on approach.
• Confident, resilient and comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment.
• Passionate about developing people and creating high-performing teams.
• Strong ethical standards and commitment to confidentiality.
• Able to balance process, compliance and governance with a genuinely people-focused approach.

The package:

• Monday - Friday schedule (36.5 hours per week)
• 30 days holiday (including Bank Holidays)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Free parking
• Company social events
• Full training provided.
• Career development and progression opportunities
• Rapidly expanding multi-functional operation