Head of HR - Praxis Care

Head of HR - Praxis Care - Belfast

MCS Group is delighted to be partnering with Praxis Care, one of the leading providers of health and social care services across Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, England and the Isle of Man, as they seek to appoint an experienced Head of HR on a full-time permanent basis.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a senior HR professional to join a values-led organisation during a period of continued organisational development and transformation. The successful candidate will play a pivotal leadership role in shaping and delivering strategic HR initiatives across multiple jurisdictions, while driving innovation, employee engagement and continuous improvement across the HR function.

The role

Reporting to the Director of HR & Learning & Development, the Head of HR will lead and manage the development and delivery of a range of strategically important HR functions and projects across Praxis Care.

Working closely with the wider HR, Payroll and Learning & Development teams, as well as senior stakeholders across the organisation, the successful candidate will support the implementation of HR strategy, policy and process improvements aligned to organisational priorities and workforce objectives.

Initially, the role will focus heavily on organisational development, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB), employee relations, governance, staff wellbeing and attendance management, alongside supporting a range of HR change and transformation projects.

The Head of HR will play a key role in developing and implementing employee engagement initiatives, organisational culture development and performance management processes, ensuring the organisation continues to foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture aligned to Praxis Care's values.

The successful candidate will also provide expert guidance on complex employee relations matters, support Trade Union engagement and consultation processes, ensure compliance with employment legislation and ensure ongoing policy and procedural development across all jurisdictions.

In addition, the role will involve leading and developing a small HR team, driving service improvement initiatives and supporting the organisation in delivering a high-quality employee experience.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced HR professional to make a meaningful impact within a highly respected organisation committed to delivering positive outcomes for both employees and service users.

The successful candidate

To apply for this outstanding Head of HR opportunity, it is essential you possess the following:

• CIPD qualified with a minimum of 3 years' HR experience, including at least 3 years operating at advisory and/or management level

OR

• A minimum of 5 years' HR experience, including at least 3 years operating at advisory and/or management level

In addition, candidates should demonstrate:

• Strong working knowledge and practical application of employment legislation
• Experience of employee relations and staff attendance management
• Experience supporting or delivering HR projects, policy development and service improvement initiatives
• Proven ability to build effective relationships with senior stakeholders
• Experience managing and developing staff
• Strong communication and organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively
• Analytical and solution-focused approach with strong attention to detail
• Experience using Microsoft Office packages

The following would be considered highly advantageous:

• Experience leading HR change or transformation projects
• Experience in organisational development initiatives including workforce strategy, performance management, employee engagement or culture programmes
• Experience developing or implementing DEIB strategies, policies or initiative
• Experience in staff health and wellbeing strategy or attendance management initiatives
• Experience working with Trade Unions and consultation processes
• Experience within a large, complex organisation employing 200+ staff
• HND/Degree or equivalent in HR Management or a Business-related subject

What's on offer?

• Salary scale of £40,703 - £53,553
• 27 days annual leave plus 10 bank holidays
• Additional annual leave entitlement through long service
• Hybrid working arrangement
• 5-hour working week
• Salary sacrifice pension scheme (5% employee / 3% employer contribution)
• Access to additional employee benefits including Benenden Healthcare, Calm App, Cycle to Work Scheme and free eye tests
• Opportunity to join a respected and values-driven organisation
• Excellent opportunity to influence organisational culture and strategic direction
• Supportive senior leadership team committed to continuous improvement
• Long-term career development opportunities within a growing organisation

To speak in absolute confidence about this opportunity please send an up-to-date CV via the link provided or contact Ryan Calvert, Divisional Head of HR recruitment at MCS Group on 02896 935519. Please note the closing date for this vacancy is Thursday 18th June at 4pm.

If you have a disability which means you require assistance at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us directly to discuss. MCS Group is committed to providing equality of opportunity to all.

MCS Group is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for all, being the first recruitment agency in NI to achieve Bronze Diversity Mark accreditation. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will endeavour to facilitate your request.

MCS Group - Proud Headline Sponsor of the CIPD HR Awards in Northern Ireland 2026