Head of HR and Organisational Development

Scienceabode; North East; On-site; GBP 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A strategic corporate services organization in North East England is looking for an experienced Head of HR. You will lead the HR, governance, and administrative functions, ensuring efficiency and alignment with legal and organizational values. The ideal candidate will have strong corporate governance knowledge and proven leadership in HR. This role offers a competitive salary of around £85,000 per annum, reflecting the importance of the position within the company.

Qualifications

• Confident, credible leader with strong judgement and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Comfortable working at Board level.
• Ability to manage complexity and balance strategic thinking with operational delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead HR, Learning & Development, and workforce planning.
• Champion staff engagement, performance, wellbeing, and development.
• Lead and strengthen governance framework.
• Manage and develop the administrative team.
• Lead the Corporate Services Department.

Skills

Strong knowledge of corporate governance principles

Proven leadership experience

Excellent communication skills

Organisational skills

Relationship-building skills

Education

Degree in HR, business management, governance or a related field

Professional membership (e.g. CIPD)

Job description

Head of HR, Tyne and Wear

Salary circa £85,000

Are you a strategic HR leader with a passion for people, governance, and high-quality corporate services? I’m delighted to be supporting this North East client in their search for an experienced Head of HR and Corporate Services to play a pivotal role in shaping how their organisation is developed.

The successful candidate will lead the HR, governance and administrative functions, ensuring operations are efficient, transparent, and aligned with both legal requirements and organisational values. Working closely with the Strategic Director and Board, you will help drive strategy and embed a strong culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Duties and responsibilities will include:

People, HR & Organisational Development

• Lead HR, Learning & Development, and workforce planning to support the clients’ strategic goals.
• Champion staff engagement, performance, wellbeing, and development.
• Ensure HR policies are compliant, fair, and up to date.
• Align local HR practices with the wider Group HR strategy.

Governance & Risk

• Lead and strengthen governance framework in line with legal and internal standards.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the Managing Director and Board on governance and risk matters.
• Oversee Board and committee activity, including agendas, papers, and minutes.
• Maintain and develop policies, documentation, and governance reporting.

Corporate & Administrative Services

• Manage and develop the administrative team, ensuring high-quality support to corporate and Board functions.
• Maintain effective systems for meetings, document control, and office operations.
• Drive the use of digital tools to improve efficiency and accuracy.

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the Corporate Services Department with clear direction and purpose.
• Manage key roles include the Governance Officer and Corporate Services Assistant.
• Support and promote company values and culture across the organisation.
• Work with the Director of Strategy to deliver strategic objectives.

Criteria:

You will be a confident, credible leader with strong judgement and excellent interpersonal skills. You’ll be comfortable working at Board level, managing complexity, and balancing strategic thinking with operational delivery.

You will bring:

• Strong knowledge of corporate governance principles.
• Proven leadership experience in HR, or corporate/administrative services.
• The ability to lead teams, manage competing priorities, and deliver results.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and relationship-building skills.

Qualifications

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in HR, business management, governance or a related field.
• Professional membership (e.g. CIPD) is desirable.

£85000/annum