We are seeking an experienced and dynamic HR Director to join our leadership team and drive a transformative people strategy across our organisation. This is a pivotal, high-impact role for a strategic HR leader who can deliver significant cultural change, strengthen collaboration, and improve workforce engagement and retention across a complex, fast-paced care business. This position is ideal for an entrepreneurial and proactive leader — someone who thrives in challenging environments, isn’t afraid to make bold decisions, and can implement effective solutions to long-standing organisational challenges. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Cultural Transformation * Lead, inspire and develop the HR function, ensuring alignment with business objectives and operational excellence across the organisation. * Champion a cohesive, values-driven culture that breaks down silos and fosters collaboration, accountability, and trust across departments. * Design and implement change management strategies to address existing organisational fragmentation and ensure unified working practices. People Strategy & Workforce Planning * Develop and deliver a comprehensive people strategy focused on recruitment, engagement, retention, and succession planning across the business. * Introduce innovative retention initiatives to reduce turnover and build a more stable, motivated, and high-performing workforce. * Advise the senior leadership team on workforce trends, ensuring that people strategies are agile and future-focused. Performance, Risk & Compliance * Drive the implementation of robust HR policies and practices that meet the highest standards of employment law, CQC regulations, and sector-specific compliance requirements. * Provide expert guidance on complex employee relations issues, ensuring risks are proactively mitigated and resolved effectively. * Use data and analytics to measure the impact of HR initiatives, identify areas of risk, and inform strategic decisions. Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement * Partner closely with operational leaders to ensure HR initiatives directly support service delivery and organisational goals. * Act as a trusted adviser to the CEO and Board, contributing to wider business strategy and growth plans. * Foster a culture of shared accountability across departments, addressing the current challenges of siloed working and inter-departmental blame. Person Specification Essential Experience & Skills: * Significant senior-level HR leadership experience, ideally within the health and social care sector or another highly regulated industry. * Proven track record of leading large, diverse HR teams and delivering organisational transformation. * Demonstrable experience in driving cultural change and improving collaboration across complex, multi-site operations. * Deep understanding of CQC regulations, employment law, and HR best practices. * Strong background in designing and implementing retention strategies in a high-turnover environment. * Commercially astute with a strategic mindset — able to balance entrepreneurial thinking with robust risk management. * Exceptional communication, negotiation, and influencing skills, with the gravitas to engage effectively with board members, senior leaders, and external stakeholders. * Experience of social care and CQC guidelines Desirable: * CIPD Level 7 qualification or equivalent. * Experience working in a scaling or rapidly evolving business