Director HR UK
Possible
Sponsorship likelihood
This employer issued few or no visas recently
£52,900
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 1136 (92% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £52,900, and Oakleaf Partnership is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1136 Human resource managers and directors Most likely code | £37,100 Clears | £42,300 Clears | £47,600 Clears | £52,900 Clears |
3571 Human resources and industrial relations officers Also possible | £33,400 Clears | £41,700 Clears | £41,700 Clears | £41,700 Clears |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. A mark is for the top of the advertised pay. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
Director of HR, UK
Location: London (Hybrid) - 4 days initially onsite reducing to 3 days per week.
About the Company
Our client is a growing international business operating within a creative, commercial and client-focused environment. With an established global presence and ambitious growth plans, the organisation works across marketing, media, partnerships, events and brand engagement, delivering innovative solutions for a diverse portfolio of clients.
As the business continues to evolve, an opportunity has arisen for an experienced HR leader to join the organisation in a newly created Director of HR role.
The Opportunity
This is a unique opportunity to shape and influence the people agenda within a dynamic, entrepreneurial and fast-paced business.
As the senior HR lead for the UK, you will partner closely with senior leadership to deliver both strategic and operational HR support across the employee lifecycle. Working alongside commercial, client services, creative and operational teams, you will play a key role in ensuring the business continues to attract, develop and retain exceptional talent.
This position requires someone who is equally comfortable contributing at a strategic level while remaining hands-on when required. You will be a trusted advisor to leaders across the organisation, providing commercially focused people solutions that support business performance, culture and growth.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic HR Leadership
- Partner with senior leaders to develop and implement people strategies aligned to business objectives.
- Provide expert advice on organisational design, workforce planning and talent management.
- Lead initiatives that enhance employee engagement, performance and retention.
- Support leaders through periods of change, growth and organisational development.
Talent & Culture
- Partner with leaders to attract, retain and develop high-performing talent.
- Support succession planning and leadership development initiatives.
- Foster an inclusive, collaborative and high-performance culture.
- Champion employee engagement, wellbeing and learning initiatives.
- Ensure the employee experience aligns with the organisation's values and ambitions.
Operational HR
- Provide expert guidance on employee relations matters, including performance management, disciplinary and grievance processes.
- Lead investigations and manage complex people issues with confidence and professionalism.
- Ensure compliance with UK employment legislation and HR best practice.
- Oversee HR reporting and people analytics.
- Manage key aspects of the employee lifecycle, including onboarding, development and offboarding.
Candidate Profile
We are particularly interested in speaking with HR professionals who have gained experience within fast-paced, commercially driven and talent-led environments.
Relevant sector experience may include:
- Marketing and communications
- Media and entertainment
- Sponsorship and partnerships
- Creative, digital or integrated agencies
- Brand experience and activation
- Events and experiential businesses
- Professional services or other client-service-led organisations
Experience & Skills
- Significant HR leadership experience within marketing, media, agency, sponsorship, creative or similarly commercial environments.
- Experience operating as a standalone HR lead or within a lean, high-impact HR function.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with Oakleaf Partnership, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Human resource managers and directors (SOC 1136) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~170k in sample- Middle half £44,564–77,220
- Median £58,812
- Going rate £52,900
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £37,100–47,600
Similar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at Oakleaf PartnershipAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. Oakleaf Partnership holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 1136 going rate of £52,900. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.