Head of People

LOCATION: Bracknell HQ, UK

WORKING PATTERN: Full-time hybrid – max 40% remotely

A&O IT Group is an award-winning, fast-growth, global IT services and cyber security consultancy operating in over 130 countries. A&O IT Group is proud to sit within the Stock Exchange's Top 1000 most inspirational companies in the UK.

We are seeking a proactive and hands on Head of People, who is ready and willing to get stuck into global HP operations and direct fast-paced talent acquisition.

Our Ideal Candidate

As Head of People you will be used to supporting multiple stakeholders from graduate to Chairman, a quick learner and able to think on their feet with a solution-focused mindset.

Leading the People team, primarily supporting the UK, India, Germany and France, you will ensure that all HR and Talent Acquisition services are compliant with local legislation and delivered in a timely and efficient manner.

The role is crucial in streamlining HR processes, advising on risk and contributing to the overall success of the organisation.

Our ideal candidate has experience with working with the Indian market, managing TUPE and has worked on offshoring initiatives.

Reporting Line

This role reports directly to the CEO and is a member of our Senior Leadership Team.

Responsibilities

HR Operations

• Design, implement, and optimise HR processes related to recruitment, onboarding, performance management, employee relations, compensation, benefits, and offboarding.
• Work closely with business leadership to implement tactical direction, best practices, business strategy initiatives and overall effectiveness for HR activities in the business
• Support on all TUPE/ARD transfers liaising with service providers and collating and analysing data
• Lead, mentor, and develop the People team, providing guidance, training and performance feedback
• Ensure current HR policies and procedures are up to date and are in line with legislation and best practice.
• Manage monthly HR payroll input for global payrolls
• Collaborate with the finance department to manage compensation, salary benchmarking, and salary reviews.
• Oversee the administration of employee benefits and work to enhance the overall benefits package.
• Maintain, develop and implement new automation for an effective HRIS
• Provide leadership, support, and guidance to the in-country HR Team, working closely with them to ensure daily business support requirements are met.
• Promote and encourage a positive health and safety culture throughout the organisation through the provision of information, training, instruction and where appropriate supervision
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of market trends affecting business as well as broader employment and HR trends, current employment legislation and policies, ensuring line managers are effectively briefed on any relevant changes
  
  

Leadership

• Lead on HR strategy and delivery across the business in an effective manner
• Support the business leadership with implementation of change strategies that address both the workforce and business issues
• Generate and provide HR metrics and reports as required to Chairman, CEO, CFO and other key stakeholders
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of market trends affecting business as well as broader employment and HR trends, current employment legislation and policies, ensuring line managers are effectively briefed on any relevant changes
• Use data-driven approaches to identify trends and design HR strategy
  
  

Employee relations

• Address employee concerns and grievances, ensuring a fair and consistent approach to conflict resolution.
• Conduct investigations when necessary and recommend appropriate actions to resolve issues.
• Provide employment law advice and guidance for line managers across the Group for any employee issues
• Support, develop and coach line managers to manage employee relations issues using A&O policies, procedures, and best practice
  
  

Talent Acquisition

• Direct and report where required on recruitment of direct hires
• Oversee the recruitment process, including job postings, candidate sourcing, interviews, and selection
• Use HR tech tools such as psychometric testing, effectively for maximum benefit to employees and talent acquisition
• Conduct market research to identify industry benchmarks
  
  

Performance Management

• Support business leadership to manage the talent profile of the employees at all grades, identifying training and development needs
• Oversee and run the annual review cycle
• Develop and implement performance management programmes to monitor employee performance, provide feedback, and identify areas for development.
• Coach managers on performance-related issues and ensure performance reviews are conducted timely and effectively
• Direct and take ownership of the annual in-house leadership training scheme, Aspire
• Mould and grow the newly implemented mentor programme, Elevate
  
  

Compliance

• Stay up to date with employment legislation, regulations, and industry trends to ensure the organisation's HR practices are legally compliant as required by business operational requirements
• Maintain and update employee records in accordance with the privacy notice and local data protection legislation
  
  

Requirements

• Level 5 CIPD qualification or equivalent experience
• 5 years+ senior experience supporting a multi-site and complex matrix organisation
• Experienced line manager
• Experience of designing and implementing new initiatives
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Suite programmes, HRIS and ATS tools
• In-depth knowledge of HR best practices, labour laws, and regulations
• Excellent interpersonal skills, able to effectively engage and build relationships at all levels
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret HR data and metrics
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with utmost discretion
• Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  
  

Desirable

• Experience with offshoring
• Knowledge of working with employees based in India
• Knowledge of employment laws and regulations across several jurisdictions.
  
  

Our Values

Our team prides itself on our core values and commitment to doing the basics brilliantly. If you too strive to engage & delight, we would love to hear from you.