Head of People – Prestigious Employer – Northern Ireland

MCS Group is delighted to be partnering exclusively with a large, household name in Northern Ireland, as they seek to appoint a Head of People on a full-time, permanent basis.

This is a unique opportunity for a senior HR professional to step into a pivotal leadership role within a highly regarded, multi-site organisation. Operating across Northern Ireland, the business has a strong local presence, a longstanding reputation for excellence, and an exciting vision for future growth.

The role offers the chance to shape the People Strategy at group level, champion cultural development, and lead a talented HR team – all while working closely with a dynamic leadership group in a values-led environment.

The Opportunity

As Head of People, you will report directly into the MD and lead the People function across all sites. You will play a central role in setting the strategic direction for people, culture, and capability development – ensuring the organisation remains an employer of choice and a great place to work.

You’ll lead on all aspects of workforce strategy, performance management, employee experience, and team development – working to modernise and embed best-in-class people practices throughout the group.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the implementation of the Group People Strategy, aligning with long-term business goals.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the Board and leadership team on all people and organisational matters.
• Drive strategic programmes across recruitment, talent development, succession planning, and retention.
• Lead a high-performing HR team and support their ongoing development and professional growth.
• Ensure HR policies and practices are aligned with current employment legislation and support an inclusive and high-performance culture.
• Own the people budget and workforce planning, ensuring value for money and resource optimisation.
• Oversee employee engagement, culture-building, and internal communication programmes.
• Lead the development and delivery of training and development frameworks across all levels.
• Provide strategic HR reporting and insights to the Board to support organisational planning and innovation.
• Champion wellbeing, equality, diversity and inclusion, embedding these values in everything the team does.

The Person

This is a senior leadership role suited to a strategic and forward-thinking HR professional who thrives in a fast-paced, multi-site environment. You’ll be both commercially astute and people-focused, with the ability to lead transformation while fostering a positive and inclusive culture.

Essential Criteria:

• Extensive senior HR experience at Senior HR Manager level and above
• Proven leadership experience in a large, complex, multi-site organisation.
• Track record of influencing executive teams and leading organisational change.
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to align people strategy with business objectives.
• Excellent knowledge of UK employment legislation and HR best practice.
• Inspirational leader with a track record of managing high-performing HR teams.
• Experience with talent and succession planning, performance management, and employee engagement strategies.
• Skilled in communication and stakeholder management, with high emotional intelligence.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 and HRIS/people management systems.

Desirable:

• Educated to postgraduate level or equivalent in HR, organisational change, or a related field.
• Background in service-led sectors would be advantageous.
• Fellow CIPD qualified

What’s on offer?

• Highly competitive salary package
• Generous benefits including private health options and wellbeing initiatives
• Ongoing professional development and learning opportunities
• Staff discounts across a wide range of products and services
• Additional perks including birthday leave, social events, and flexible benefits

To apply

To apply for this exciting leadership opportunity, please send an up-to-date CV. For a confidential discussion, contact Ryan Calvert, Head of HR Recruitment at MCS Group, on or email .

Skills:
HR Director People Director Culture Director