PEOPLE Director (Senior Leadership Role)Location: Chester Head Office (city centre) — Hybrid working flexibility ConsideredBasis: Full-Time | PermanentSalary: Competitive, based on experienceSandstone Care Group is seeking an accomplished and forward-thinking strategic HR leader to join our senior leadership team. This is a high-impact role with direct responsibility for a HR, L&D and recruitment team, shaping the people strategy across thirteen care homes and two business support offices.Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, you will act as a trusted advisor, ensuring that our workforce strategy underpins our growth, strengthens our culture, and supports the delivery of exceptional care.Key ResponsibilitiesLead, inspire and develop the HR function, including direct management of HR and recruitment colleagues, building capability and high performance.Design and deliver the group-wide HR strategy, aligning people priorities with business growth and operational excellence.Own talent acquisition and workforce planning, ensuring a strong employer brand, effective recruitment, and reduced agency spend across all sites.Partner with the Board and Senior Leadership Team on strategic workforce planning, organisational development, and cultural initiatives.Oversee Learning and Development functionOversee the full employee lifecycle: attraction, onboarding, development, engagement, retention and exit.Lead on complex employee relations matters and act as the senior escalation point.Ensure robust compliance with UK employment law and regulatory requirements (including CQC).Champion leadership development, succession planning, and learning initiatives to strengthen capability across all levels.Drive and deliver group-wide HR projects, including HR system implementation, reward/benefits review, and engagement programmes.Act as a visible culture carrier, embedding Sandstone’s values across all homes and support functions. About YouWe’re looking for a confident, compassionate, and solutions-focused HR leader who thrives in a dynamic, growing environment.5–8 years’ proven senior HR management experience, ideally within health, social care, or another regulated multi-site sector.CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent) strongly preferred.Proven track record in strategic workforce planning, talent acquisition, and employer brand development.Experience managing and developing a HR and recruitment team.Strong knowledge of UK employment law and regulatory frameworks (CQC knowledge desirable).Demonstrated ability to influence and advise at Board level, shaping organisational strategy and driving change.Confident in building and embedding HR frameworks, systems and policies from the ground up.A pragmatic, people-first leader with a genuine passion for improving workplace culture.Our ValuesAt Sandstone Care Group, our people and residents are at the heart of everything we do. Our five values guide how we work and how we lead:Pride – Proud of everything we doDetermination – We never give upPositivity – Working with a smileDiligence – Doing our best every dayEmpathy – Respecting the wishes of othersWhy Join Us?This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior HR leadership role with autonomy, influence, and the chance to shape the future of a growing care group. You’ll be part of a passionate, values-led organisation where people matter.