Group Head of Human Resources

Henderson Group is a multi-award winning, family-owned business and, with over 5000 colleagues across the Group, it is one of Northern Ireland’s largest employers. The Company dates back to 1897 when it started life as a retail grocery business – today it is a £1.2bn Group comprising of four operating entities: Henderson Wholesale (which is complemented by its subsidiary companies, Henderson Technology and Henderson Print), Henderson Retail, Henderson Foodservice and Henderson Group Property.

Henderson Group understands that its greatest asset is its people who it continues to invest in as recognised in its Investors in People Gold Accreditation. The newly created role of Group Head of Human Resources will provide leadership across their People Agenda in support of the Group’s business strategy. The focus of the role is to lead and develop the Human Resources team to provide a first-class set of people-centred solutions which will continually strengthen their ability to meet overall business objectives and enhance their reputation as an employer of choice.

The Group Head of HR will provide strategic support to Board members and leadership teams across the Group. They will ensure that organisation structures and roles dynamically meet current and future business needs. They will develop and implement people practices and solutions to attract, retain and develop talent across the organisation to fulfil operational and strategic objectives. These initiatives will range across resourcing, succession planning, learning and development at all levels of the Group, organisational design and effectiveness, diversity and inclusion, performance management and benchmarking insights. They’ll work with the Group HR Director and senior leaders across the Group to develop a fantastic culture of engagement with colleagues through both collective (TU) and other forums. Overall, the Group Head of HR will play a key role in shaping the People Agenda for the future and will be an exceptional ambassador for the business inside and outside the organisation.

Applicants should possess the following skills and experience:

• Considerable experience of managing, leading and inspiring HR teams in a large, fast-paced, high volume HR environment.
• Up-to-date knowledge of employment law and experience of developing HR policies and procedures.
• Experience of designing and implementing learning solutions within a commercial organisation.
• Strong IT skills and Experience of HR information systems including the development and use of reporting to make data-informed decisions.
• Successful track record in building effective line management relationships.
• Experience of setting and managing sizeable budgets in a commercial setting.
• Experience of operating in a unionised environment and dealing with representatives would be highly desirable.
• CIPD Qualified along with evidence of continuous professional development.

This is a unique career opportunity for a senior HR leader in Northern Ireland. To apply, please follow the link below or for further information please contact Ruth McDonald at Narratology on 02890446336 in confidence. Closing date Monday 19th June 2023.