Head of Human Resources

About James Walker (Leith)

James Walker (Leith) Ltd is a multi-faceted group with a turnover of £150 million and reserves of £100 million. The group operates from a strong financial footing and has 4 divisions encompassing Woodbridge – timber sales and distribution, Dundas – housebuilding / property development, Walker Timber Engineering and Walker Healthcare.

The group continues to have ambitious plans to grow and scale, to identify new investment opportunities and to build on the successes of their existing model. As part of this they are now looking to appoint a Head of HR as part of their succession planning. This will see the successful applicant work closely with Craig Fairfoull (Chief Commercial Officer) and Euan Campbell (Group CFO) as the business enters the next exciting phase of its journey.

The JWL Group can draw on a pool of over 700 committed and talented people from across the organisation. Supported by strong management teams, the JWL teams have the expertise and knowledge to develop innovative solutions and to deliver complex, multi-team projects. The Group works at the centre of this network, setting up strategic partnerships in both the private and public sector to pursue and unlock new opportunities for growth and development, providing commercial vision, oversight and direction.

About the role

The new Head of HR will work closely with the management team and form a key pillar of the JWL management team on all HR and people matters, reporting to the Group CFO.

This is seen as a key hire within the business and is very much regarded as a long term appointment with huge potential to shape the future plans and culture of the organisation.

Key responsibilities

The Head of HR will provide ‘hands on’ HR support to all entities in the group, will the following priorities:

• Implement a performance management framework.
• Develop, deliver and oversee a learning and development strategy for the group.
• Assist leadership team with succession planning across the group, ensuring diversity and inclusion in hiring practices.
• Oversee recruitment strategies to attract and retain talent.

Candidate requirements

The successful candidate will have experience in the following areas:

• Proven HR leadership track record track record in a complex organisation.
• Experience in both leading and driving HR performance in a fast paced environment
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR compliance.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Strategic thinker with hands-on operational capability.
• Collaborative and approachable leadership style.
• High integrity and confidentiality.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.