Head of HR

HAVE YOU GOT SPIRIT?
 
In operation since 1985, Barrow Gas Terminal is a key piece of the UK’s energy infrastructure and supports the Morecambe Bay gas fields. The terminal has played a long‑standing role in processing and delivering natural gas, supporting both local employment and national energy supply.
 
With a focus on safety, environmental sustainability and community engagement, we believe in operational excellence at every stage of production. If you are ready to take the next step in your career with a dynamic and energetic team, then we are keen to hear from you.
 
 
THE OPPORTUNITY – HEAD OF HUMAN RESOURCES
 
The Head of HR role works closely with, and provides coaching to, managers to build their people capability, plan and manage talent and develop approaches that achieve shared organisational objectives; acting as a point of people expertise for the organisation.
Location: Barrow-in-Furness
Duration: 2-year contract
Contract Type: PAYE
Day Rate: TBC - For your application to be progressed, please ensure you provide a PAYE day rate banding expectation.  Please note that there is no travel and accommodation allowance provided.
 

• Please only apply if you have existing right-to-work in the UK.
• Please outline notice period/availability to start.

 
Closing Date for Applications: 16th July 2026
 
Spirit Energy currently have a non-contractual hybrid working arrangement for all office-based workers. 4 days must be worked in the office with compulsory days being Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The fourth day worked in-office (either Monday or Friday) is of the worker’s choosing but should be in keeping with what is most efficient and effective for their team. The office is open 5 days a week for full time, in-office working if this is the contractor’s preference.  
 
 
AND NOW FOR THE TECHNICAL BIT…
In role, you will be required to:
 

• Provide strategic and expert HR advice to business leadership, challenging and questioning as appropriate, acting as employee advocate when required, to get to the root of people and business issues.
• Support the organisation with employee relations activities ensuring all actions taken are within policy, best practice and legal guidelines. Ensuring decisions made support the Values, culture and strategic priorities of the business. Conducts effective, thorough, and objective investigations. 
• Lead HR annual programs and initiatives, such as Annual Reward Review, performance reviews, reward or payroll communications, etc.
• Coordinate internal and external resourcing, working with service providers and agencies, following an agreed Spirit Energy process and approach. Contract owner for external resourcing contracts.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of legal requirements related to day-to-day management of employees, reducing legal risks and ensuring regulatory compliance. Partners with external parties as needed/required.
• Provide HR policy guidance and ensures compliance.
• Manage relationships with benefit providers and work with the benefits broker on annual renewals etc.
• Drive a high performing culture by identifying and addressing performance differentiation. This includes supporting the business to drive the performance management cycle, facilitating performance calibration, and proactively addressing underperformance throughout the year by providing day-to-day performance management guidance and support to managers.
• Provides guidance and input on business change and workforce planning. Supports discussions and drives action on talent management and succession planning.
• Work with the Finance team, supporting the annual and monthly finance processes in SAP including PR/POs and budgeting.
• Support audit requirements as appropriate.
• Any other associated duties as reasonably required.

 
ABOUT YOU
To be successful in this role, we are looking for:
 

• HR Technical Knowledge - depth and breadth of experience and understanding of a number of HR disciplines including Reward, Employee Relations, Business Partnering/Relationship Management, HR Operations, Resourcing, Learning & Development.
• Maintains knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements related to day-to-day management of employees, reducing risks and ensuring compliance.
• Commercial acumen - exhibits an understanding of the organisation’s business model with the acumen and commerciality that enables delivering HR solutions to people challenges.
• Proven ability to make decisions or proposals based on gathering information from a variety of sources, understanding the breadth of solutions, and ability to critically assess each.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current best practices and trends in HR best practice, across the industry and more broadly within the profession.
• Bachelors or Master's degree, or equivalent, in an appropriate discipline
• CIPD qualification preferred

 
In addition to technical knowledge and credibility, we are looking for someone who lives our values - Agility, Collaboration, Courage, Care, and Delivery. A person who embraces and supports change, while ensuring the safe and efficient operation of a mature asset.  
 
 


People are our business worldwide
 
Orion Group was founded in 1987 and is now one of the largest, independent, international recruitment companies. We have a network of 200 employees working from 24 offices, delivering a range of services – Talent Acquisition, Recruitment Outsourcing Services, Retained Search, Global Workforce Solutions, Completions & Commissioning and Materials Management – across 68 countries. As a global leader in workforce solutions, we recruit personnel across the Engineering & Technical, Office & Commercial, Scientific and Skilled Trades disciplines, for sectors including Oil & Gas, Life Science, Power & Utilities, Constructions & Infrastructure, Manufacturing and Renewables.