The role of a Head of HR

What does a Head of HR do?

A Head of HR is a senior leader responsible for overseeing the entire HR function and shaping the organisation’s people strategy. They work closely with executive leadership to ensure that HR initiatives support business goals, drive performance, and create a strong, positive workplace culture.

In this role, the Head of HR develops and implements strategic HR plans across areas such as talent management, organisational design, employee engagement, and leadership development. They provide direction on complex HR matters, ensure compliance with employment legislation, and act as a key advisor to senior stakeholders and the board.

The Head of HR also leads the HR team, overseeing all HR operations including recruitment, employee relations, reward, and learning and development. They are responsible for driving transformation initiatives, improving processes, and using data and insights to influence business decisions and support long-term growth.

What are the key responsibilities of a Head of HR?

• Leading and delivering the overall HR strategy aligned to business objectives
• Partnering with senior leadership and the board on people-related decisions
• Driving organisational culture, engagement, and diversity initiatives
• Overseeing all HR operations, including recruitment, employee relations, and reward
• Managing complex employee relations issues and organisational change
• Leading and developing the HR team to ensure high performance
• Managing HR budgets, systems, and ensuring legal compliance
• Using HR data and analytics to inform strategic decision-making

What qualifications should a Head of HR?

CIPD Level 7 qualification

What is the career progression for an HR Business Partner?

The Head of HR role is typically a progression from HR Business Partner or HR Manager positions, moving into a senior leadership role with full responsibility for the people function.

From here, professionals can progress into executive-level roles such as HR Director or Chief People Officer, where they lead the overall people strategy at organisational level.