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HR Director
HR Director – Precision Forging Specialist
Location: Sheffield, UK (Headquartered at Independent Forgings and Alloys Ltd (IFA))
About the Role
Independent Forgings and Alloys Ltd (IFA)—Europe’s leading precision forging company—is seeking an experienced HR Director to spearhead people strategy and organisational development in its Sheffield operation.
IFA’s unique capabilities radial forging, press forging, hammer forging, ring rolling, extrusion, drop stamping, and blade forging enable it to deliver fully integrated metals solutions, serving aerospace, defence, energy, and regulated industries. With continuous growth driven by technology and investment, IFA needs a seasoned HR leader to shape a world-class workforce, aligned with its ambitious future.
As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, reporting directly to the CEO, you will:
- Act as a strategic HR partner, influencing high-impact decisions.
- Build a high-performing, engaged, and future-ready workforce.
- Oversee all HR functions (organisational development, talent management, reward, compliance, leadership training).
- Drive people-centric culture and industrial relations while balancing operational demands.
Key Responsibilities
Your core focus will be on strategic HR leadership, including:
Business Strategy & People Alignment
- Develop a cross-functional people strategy that reflects IFA’s growth plans, economic shifts, and regulatory demands.
- Advise the CEO and Senior Leadership Team on workforce optimisation, operational efficiency, and long-term organisational health.
- Collaborate with leaders to embed HR as a ** Culture & Change Driven Function**, ensuring alignment with commercial objectives.
Organisational Development & Culture
- Lead succession and workforce planning to future-proof leadership pipelines.
- Foster a high-performing, inclusive, and engagement-driven culture through quantification and retention strategies.
- Drive diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to enhance organisational strength.
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Talent Management
- Design and implement end-to-end talent acquisition, retention, and development programmes, ensuring IFA attracts and retains the best technical and leadership talent.
- Oversee performance management frameworks to drive accountability and continuous improvement.
Leadership & Employee Relations
- Mentor and develop the HR team, positioning them as a proactive and value-adding function.
- Manage employee relations, ensuring fair labour practices and constructive mitigation of challenges.
- Serve as a trusted operational partner for frontline leaders to support smooth workforce management.
Recognition & Rewards
- Lead compensation, benefits, and rewards strategies, ensuring market competitiveness and alignment with industry standards.
Regulatory Compliance & Analytics
- Ensure full compliance with UK employment law, health & safety, and HR governance policies.
- Leverage HR data and analytics to inform decision-making, monitor trends, and drive improvement.
Organisational Change & Learning
- Lead transformation and cultural development during periods of growth and adaptability.
- Develop executive and technical learning initiatives to upskill the workforce and support innovation.
Requirements
To succeed in this role, you will demonstrate:
- Entry-Level Leadership & Professional Credentials
- Proven experience as an HR Director, Head of HR, or equivalent Senior HR Leader—preferably in manufacturing, engineering, industrial, or technical sectors.
- Demonstrated track record of developing and delivering organisation-wide people strategies across multifunctional environments.
- CIPD Level 7 qualification strongly preferred (Chartered membership is a distinct advantage).
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Strategic & Technical Expertise
- Commercial acumen—ability to articulate HR’s contribution to revenue growth, efficiency, and operational excellence.
- Deep knowledge of UK employment law, health & safety, and employment relations frameworks.
- Hands-on experience in Talent Acquisition, L&D, and succession planning for high-regulation industries.
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Change Leadership & Culture Building
- Proven capability to lead organisational transformation and cultural shifts during periods of rapid expansion/investment.
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Stakeholder & Influencing Skills
- Exceptional stakeholder engagement, communication, and persuasion—able to challenge armchair HR thinking with robust analysis.
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Analytical Definitions & Workflow
- Proficiency in HR analytics, workforce planning, and data-driven Human Capital Management (e.g., tools like Tesorio, SAP SuccessFactors, or Workday).
What We Offer
This is a transformational leadership opportunity with real impact on UK industry:
- Salary: £90,000 – £100,000, bonus package.
- Flexible Benefits Package: Including comprehensive health insurance, private/pension scheme, 33 days annual leave.
- Career Development: Structured leadership coaching, mentorship, and executive education through your term and beyond.
- Organisational Influence: Shape workplace culture in one of the UK’s most advanced engineering precinct trusts.
- Employer Stability: Grow with a long-standing stable company committed to expansion, sanctioned by award-winning operational structures.
Application & Next Steps
Peruse candidates CANNOT apply directly for this role.
Exclusively recruited through W Talent, you may submit via: Joe Walton | W Talent E: vacancy-support@wtalent.co.uk or see Job Board Adverts
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