Unifi

Job Title: Human Resources Director / Chief HR Officer – UK&I

Location: World Business Centre3, Hounslow, UK (Heathrow Airport) – onsite with some travel

Position Summary

We are seeking a strategically focused HRD/CHRO to lead, inspire and elevate the HR function across Unifi Aviation UK&I. Reporting directly to the CEO UK&I, this key executive leadership role will be responsible for overseeing the entire HR operations, including HR Business Partnering, people related policy, employee engagement along with talent, succession and development. The HRD/CHRO will also coordinate with our shared offshore services teams to ensure seamless execution of HR operations and the highest standards of compliance.

Unifi is a business to provide exceptional experience to our customers, passengers and employees. We deliver reliable, genuinely caring and timely service superior to our competition. Our employees are respected, empowered, and work in an environment where they feel they belong and have purpose. We are contributing to members of society, operating with uncompromising values.

• Our Vision is to be the most respected company by providing an exceptional experience getting aircraft and passengers to their destination safely.

• Our Purpose is to Elevate People.

• Our Values at our core are Passion, Integrity and Empathy.

• Our Culture supports inclusivity, mutual respect, performance and rewarding our people.

This is a pivotal leadership role designed for a hands-on HRD/CHRO with a strategic mindset but also with strong operational experience in high-volume, heavily regulated, fast-paced changing environments, and a focus on delivering exceptional employee experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Champion a modern and dynamic approach to HR by leveraging technology, data-driven insights, and progressive people best practices to foster agility and continuous improvement across the organisation.
• Drive HR strategy and execution aligned with business objectives and/operational needs.
• Oversee employee relations, performance management, workforce planning, communications, engagement, and retention strategies.
• Lead or deliver major people related change programmes including M&A, TUPE, redundancy, relocation and restructures.
• Oversee all aspects of industrial relations and collective bargaining building a positive and partnering relationship with Trade Unions and management of industrial risk.
• Oversee organisational structures and design, leadership talent and development and ensure robust and compelling talent, succession plans are in place.
• Work with the Compliance team to manage all aspects of ID badging, right to work (RTW) and compliance.
• Confidante, coach and mentor to the Executive and Senior Leadership teams.
• Guide recruitment strategies, organisational structures, role profile content and benefits packages to attract and retain top talent across operational and key business roles with a focus on employee experience and retention.
• Maintain compliance with UK&I employment laws and best practices and aviation-specific regulations. Identify and partner with in-country Legal Advisors or specialists to support compliance and best practice in the UK&I.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and programmes to support a high-performance culture.
• Build strong partnerships between Human Resources and all aspects of the business to foster a positive and fulfilling work environment.

Required Qualifications

• 7-10 years of progressive HR experience in a complex and heavily regulated H24 multi-site environment with a large hourly workforce.
• Strong working knowledge of UK&I employment laws, IR strategy, ACAS guidance and best practices.
• Experience of managing multi-functional teams across HR Business Partnering, IR, Compliance and Policy.
• Experience of working with Shared Services teams including offshore located operations.
• Demonstratable ability to influence and engage at all levels of an organisation.
• Bachelors (BA) or Masters (MA) Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Member or Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Personnel Development (FCIPD or MCIPD) or related field.