Group Head of HR

About Walker Filtration;Established in 1983, Walker Filtration's commitment to exceptional and innovative design, along with a proven track record of engineering excellence, has enabled them to remain at the forefront of compressed air and gas filtration and drying technology for over 35 years. As a five–time winner of the Queen's Award for Enterprise – in both Export and Innovation, they pride ourselves on their customer focused approach, exceptional levels of service and technical expertise.In 2018, Walker Filtration was acquired by Atlas Copco, a leading provider and manufacturer of sustainable solutions and headquartered in Sweden.The Role;An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head of HR to operate as part of the Senior Leadership Team to deliver a robust HR strategy which will support the business through a period of continued growth and transformational change. The Head of HR will also focus on leading all operational HR activities to provide a high–quality, proactive HR service.The role is expected to contribute at both a strategic and operational level in order to identify people solutions to support business aims and achieve competitive advantage in attracting, retaining and engaging talented staff. Working as part of the Global HR team, the Group Head of HR will support colleagues in the UK, Germany, China, Japan, US and Italy.Working closely with the Group General Manager, you will ensure the people agenda is all about building capacity and culture to enable the business to grow fast over the next few years. As a member of the Senior Management Team, the job holder will support and implement change programmes to support business transformation, as well as developing a business culture that fosters a fast learning, high performing and continuously improving organisation.The position reports to Group General Manager and will reside on the Senior Leadership Team. The jobholder will be required to strengthen links between the Washington facility and the Group divisions (in the US and Japan) to provide a coordinated global HR strategy. The role will focus on ensuring the HR strategy is aligned to the broader Atlas Copco people strategy, delivering a local plan that adds value for the business.Key elements of the role include;

• Working with key stakeholders to develop and implement the long term HR strategy for the business and deliver the annual HR Plan to support the business in achieving it's full potential plan.
• Provide HR direction and key HR data metrics to support the Senior Team to maximise overall employee contribution to the achievement of business objectives.
• Ensure that organisational design and culture is appropriate for the evolving and growing business.
• Actively drive strategies to ensure managers 'walk the talk' with respect to the Company values and our talent framework.
• Drive the businesses' development programmes ensuring managers are equipped to perform their role and the business has the skills and capability for the future.
• Oversee the annual talent review, focusing on the development of plans for key positions throughout the business.
• Build our employer value proposition/reputation in the market place to ensure we attract and retain the best talent.
• Lead on the resolution of complex, sensitive or high–impact HR matters. Act as the Company 'conscience' in all people related matters.
• Develop the Employee Health and Wellbeing strategy across the business.
• Work closely with senior and line managers, ensuring the HR team provides an outstanding service, expert guidance, coaching and support on the full range of people matters.
• Evaluate and develop recommendations for employee compensation and benefits options that meet the evolving business needs and enables us to attract and retain talent.
• Embed and further develop the culture, talent framework and values across the organisation as it grows.
• Lead and develop the HR Team and structure.
• Develop a communication strategy and plan that ensures all employees are kept informed and have regular communication and feedback on business performance and any relevant organisational information.
• Oversee and deliver employee engagement strategies and develop plans to enhance engagement and measurably improve the 'employee experience' and market attractiveness of the business.
• Support future acquisition strategy and integration into the Atlas Copco Group.

What they are looking for;

• Degree educated in business related subject, or equivalent experience
• Fully conversant with operating in a global digital HR landscape – systems, e–learning etc.
• CIPD qualified.
• Exceptional coaching skills
• Extensive experience in a Senior HR capacity with a strong track record of operating in an influential capacity on a senior team.
• Be flexible and proactive in managing multiple priorities.
• Strong track record influencing senior managers and building strong relationships.
• Developed and implemented a successful HR strategy and plan.
• Implemented global HR programmes at local level with geographical and cultural sensitivity.
• Can quickly establish rapport, demonstrating credibility, professionalism and gravitas.
• Commercial acumen.
• Exceptional communication skills – handles complex and difficult situations with thought and confidence
• Credible HR practitioner with the ability to coach and influence across all stakeholder levels.
• Have demonstrable experience of working as a strategic Business Partner in delivering a value–added HR service.
• Have proven experience of developing HR initiatives.
• Be an experienced HR generalist having ideally worked within complex, matrixed environments.

Nigel Wright's HR Team:For more information about this role or to discuss your future career aspirations, please contact an experienced member of Nigel Wright's HR recruitment team. Sue O'Donovan – HR leadership roles across the UK – Shona Thom – HR & talent leadership roles across the North – Jade Cook – HR & talent roles across Teesside, County Durham and North Yorkshire – Jennifer Stonehouse – HR & talent roles across Newcastle, Northumberland and Sunderland –