The British Horse Society is looking for an accomplished and trusted HR leader to provide professional HR, learning and development (L&D) and recruitment services to its 185 employees, the “Home Team”. Colleagues work centrally from offices in Kenilworth and Stirling, and regionally across the UK.

You’ll be an active member of the Leadership Team, giving practical, hands-on support to the Senior Management Team (SMT) and line managers. You’ll also help BHS continue to embed its L&D, Everyone Welcome (EDI) and inclusivity objectives, building on the Inclusive Employers Bronze Standard awarded in 2026.

BHS welcomes applicants from any industry. The ideal candidate will have worked in organisations with similar challenges, be adept at managing change programmes, and lead from the front on day-to-day operational HR issues in a pragmatic, people-centric style.

You’ll manage a team of four direct and indirect reports: an HR and L&D Manager, a DEI, Safeguarding and Wellbeing Manager, an HR Administrator, and a DEI and Safeguarding Officer.

Key responsibilities

• Build credible, trusted relationships with the SMT and Directors, supporting delivery of the BHS strategy and providing data analytics, insight and management information to advance the people strategy
• Lead, mentor and support the HR team, ensuring accuracy and timely outcomes across all HR provision
• Manage disciplinary, grievance and employee relations issues, escalating high-risk matters to the appropriate SMT member and recommending ways to mitigate risk
• Support line managers in addressing team issues, role-modelling BHS values and ways of working
• Work alongside the SMT to lead organisational change programmes, delivering workstreams on time and within budget
• Keep the SMT updated on employment legislation changes and update BHS policies to reflect compliance requirements
• Manage the payroll function, liaising effectively with the BHS finance team and the payroll provider
• Manage external stakeholder relationships, including employee benefits and contracts, and oversee the HRIS so content is current and accessible
• Produce and manage the HR budget, including monthly forecasts, and highlight any deviation from plan
• Ensure HR supports all people-related projects with clear communication and accountabilities, and identify L&D needs for both business-as-usual and new projects
• Play an active, pragmatic role in the Everyone Welcome strategy
• Lead by doing, ensuring the team delivers day-to-day support across HR Operations, L&D, Employee Relations, Benefits and Recruitment

About you

Essential:

• A clear record of achievement at leadership level
• Experience of working in a business or organisation of circa 200 employees
• Demonstrable experience of supporting and leading change programmes with successful outcomes
• CIPD Advanced Diploma/Level 7 and Chartered CIPD membership

How to apply

For a confidential conversation, or to apply, please contact Simon Lydon at Macildowie on or

Due to a quick turnaround, please share your application asap as closing date is the 13th November.