Head of HR
Details
Reference: 2026-06-HOHR
Position type: 5 days per week – 8am to 4.30pm (Monday to Thursday) and 8am to 1.30pm Friday
Location: On site in Kilmarnock
Salary: £60,000 to £70,000 pro rata dependent upon experience
Closing date: 22/06/2026
Description
About Us
Brodie Engineering is an established leading rolling stock engineering business offering a comprehensive range of refurbishment, maintenance, overhaul, engineering support, project management, and repair services to the UK rail and light rail sector. The business has gone through a significant period of growth and is highly regarded within the rail industry for its high-quality delivery.
Operating from two depots in Kilmarnock, Scotland we also provide a mobile service to the rail industry over the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland.
Key clients include ScotRail, Northern Rail and Caledonian Sleeper.
Overview
Brodie Engineering is setting up a new HR function to support business growth. This is a fabulous and unusual opportunity to be involved in setting up a brand-new HR team. Brodie Engineering has doubled in size in the last 12 months, and there is a need to establish a modern and progressive HR function. The role will be accountable for ensuring that the basics of HR are in place, and that the business is fully compliant with all aspects of UK employment legislation. In addition, there will be the need to design and implement an HR Strategy which helps drive the organisation to be an employer of choice. There are not many roles that offer the opportunity to blend HR with true transformational change. The role will manage our HR and Payroll Administrator.
The Head of HR will be responsible for developing and executing HR strategies that align with the company's objectives and foster a positive work environment whilst improving business performance. This role requires a strategic thinker who can effectively manage HR initiatives, drive organisational growth, and support the development of people. This role will lead the shaping and continuous improvement of core HR operational functions across the employee life cycle.
The role is based on site 5 days a week, working 8am to 4.30pm Monday to Thursday and 8am to 1.30pm on Fridays.
Duties
1. HR Strategy and Leadership
- Develop and execute a comprehensive HR strategy aligned with the company’s objectives
- Act as a trusted adviser to the leadership team on people-related matters
- Lead and mentor the HR team, fostering continuous improvement and professional development
2. Talent Acquisition and Workforce Planning
- Accountable for the recruitment for engineering, technical, and head office support roles, ensuring a robust and diverse talent pipeline is maintained
- Implement workforce planning to support project-based demands and long-term growth, ensuring that the business future proofs the skills needed
- Drive employer branding efforts to position the company as an employer of choice in the engineering sector
3. Learning, Development and Performance
- Design and oversee career development pathways for engineers, technicians, and leaders
- Implement performance management frameworks that support innovation, accountability, and technical excellence
- Champion leadership development initiatives to build strong management capability across the business
4. Culture, Engagement and Employee Relations
- Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and safety-conscious culture that aligns with organisational values
- Lead initiatives to enhance employee engagement and wellbeing
- Oversee employee relations, providing guidance on conflict resolution, performance issues, and policy interpretation
- Manage any complex employee relations issues as required
Apply for this job using the application form below.
