Overview

Sandstone Care Group is seeking an accomplished and forward-thinking strategic HR leader to join our senior leadership team. This is a high-impact role with direct responsibility for a HR, L&D and recruitment team, shaping the people strategy across thirteen care homes and two business support offices.

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, you will act as a trusted advisor, ensuring that our workforce strategy underpins our growth, strengthens our culture, and supports the delivery of exceptional care.

Location

Location: Chester Head Office (city centre) — Hybrid working flexibility Considered

Basis

Full-Time | Permanent

Salary

Salary: Competitive, based on experience

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, inspire and develop the HR function, including direct management of HR and recruitment colleagues, building capability and high performance.
• Design and deliver the group-wide HR strategy, aligning people priorities with business growth and operational excellence.
• Own talent acquisition and workforce planning, ensuring a strong employer brand, effective recruitment, and reduced agency spend across all sites.
• Partner with the Board and Senior Leadership Team on strategic workforce planning, organisational development, and cultural initiatives.
• Oversee Learning and Development function
• Oversee the full employee lifecycle: attraction, onboarding, development, engagement, retention and exit.
• Lead on complex employee relations matters and act as the senior escalation point.
• Ensure robust compliance with UK employment law and regulatory requirements (including CQC).
• Champion leadership development, succession planning, and learning initiatives to strengthen capability across all levels.
• Drive and deliver group-wide HR projects, including HR system implementation, reward/benefits review, and engagement programmes.
• Act as a visible culture carrier, embedding Sandstone’s values across all homes and support functions.

About You

• 5–8 years’ proven senior HR management experience, ideally within health, social care, or another regulated multi-site sector.
• CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent) strongly preferred.
• Proven track record in strategic workforce planning, talent acquisition, and employer brand development.
• Experience managing and developing a HR and recruitment team.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and regulatory frameworks (CQC knowledge desirable).
• Demonstrated ability to influence and advise at Board level, shaping organisational strategy and driving change.
• Confident in building and embedding HR frameworks, systems and policies from the ground up.
• A pragmatic, people-first leader with a genuine passion for improving workplace culture.

Our Values

At Sandstone Care Group, our people and residents are at the heart of everything we do. Our five values guide how we work and how we lead:

• Pride – Proud of everything we do
• Positivity – Working with a smile
• Empathy – Respecting the wishes of others

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior HR leadership role with autonomy, influence, and the chance to shape the future of a growing care group. You’ll be part of a passionate, values-led organisation where people matter.

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Human Resources
• Industries

Chester, England, United Kingdom