Interim Head of People - Belfast

As Interim Head of People, you will report directly to the Executive Team and play a central role in ensuring a compliant, collaborative, and high-performing workplace culture. You will provide immediate hands-on leadership and oversee the delivery of several strategic people projects aligned with the organisation's financial year goals.

This is a truly cross-functional leadership role, overseeing HR operations, learning and development, organisational culture, and workplace safety. You will lead a capable People team while also working closely with senior leaders, line managers, and safety professionals across all jurisdictions.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Oversight & Leadership

• Provide steady and decisive leadership to guide the People function through a transitional period

• Work closely with the senior team to align people strategies with commercial and operational priorities

• Identify and address gaps in HR, learning, or safety practices, driving continuous improvement

• Manage priority projects within the organisation's broader strategic and budgetary framework

HR Operations

• Oversee all core HR activities including recruitment, onboarding, contracts, employee relations, and compliance

• Ensure policies and procedures are current, legally compliant, and consistently applied

• Support and coach line managers with employee relations and performance management

• Lead negotiations with trade unions and ensure compliance with collective agreements

• Promote a culture of inclusion, engagement, and employee development

Workplace Safety

• Ensure compliance with all relevant occupational health and safety legislation

• Work closely with the safety team to ensure risks are assessed and mitigated

• Update health and safety policies, risk assessments, and incident response procedures

• Encourage a proactive culture of safety and employee wellbeing

People Development

• Oversee learning and development initiatives including onboarding, skills training, and leadership development

• Evaluate current programmes and propose improvements to support talent and capability growth

• Align development efforts with the organisation's talent planning and succession strategies

Team & Project Leadership

• Lead and support the People function, ensuring consistent delivery across sites

• Drive change initiatives including restructuring, culture work, and policy updates

• Foster a collaborative, respectful and agile work environment

The Person

We are looking for a forward-thinking HR leader with strong generalist expertise and a calm, solutions-focused approach to transformation and interim leadership.

You will demonstrate:

• Proven experience in a senior HR or People leadership role, ideally in an interim or transformation setting

• Strong working knowledge of employment law and safety regulations across NI, ROI and GB

• Experience leading change and embedding cultural and people development programmes

• High emotional intelligence with the ability to build trust quickly with stakeholders at all levels

• Adaptability and the confidence to make informed decisions in a fast-paced environment

You will also bring:

• A CIPD qualification (minimum Level 5)

• Strong project management skills with a hands-on, practical approach

• A collaborative and inclusive leadership style

• Full UK or ROI driving licence and willingness to travel across sites as needed

The Package

This interim appointment offers a highly attractive salary, along with the opportunity to make a significant impact during a key organisational phase. You'll play a vital role in evolving the People agenda, while influencing longer-term strategic outcomes.

To Apply

To speak in absolute confidence about this opportunity, please send your CV via the link provided or contact Ryan Calvert (Assoc. CIPD), HR Recruitment Specialist at MCS Group, on 028 9023 5456 028 9023 5456 .

Even if this role isn't quite right, MCS Group has a wide range of HR opportunities across Northern Ireland and beyond - please visit www.mcsgroup.jobs to explore more.

MCS Group - Proud Headline Sponsors of the CIPD NI HR Awards 2025