Head Of Human Resource

Role Overview

The Head of HR sets the people agenda for an oil and gas business, turning operational and commercial priorities into workforce plans, policies and practical support for leaders across offices and sites. This senior role leads the HR team and works closely with executives, Operations and HSSE to build workforce capability, manage employment risks and help maintain safe, dependable operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Set the HR strategy, annual work plan and departmental budget, and advise senior leaders on workforce risks, organisational design and business change.
• Convert site and business requirements into staffing plans, structures and succession priorities for technical, operational, commercial and leadership roles.
• Oversee recruitment and onboarding, and establish retention and succession approaches for critical or difficult-to-fill positions.
• Work with operational and HSSE leaders to assess workforce competence and coordinate job-specific training, certifications and refresher programmes.
• Guide managers through grievances, investigations, disciplinary matters and exits; support union relations and collective bargaining where relevant.
• Manage performance processes, leadership development and employee feedback initiatives that strengthen accountability, engagement and retention.
• Oversee compensation, benefits, salary reviews and payroll controls, while monitoring headcount, overtime, allowances, contractor costs and HR spending with Finance and Operations.
• Maintain compliant HR policies, contracts, records and HRIS controls; support site induction, fitness-for-duty, fatigue management, shift and remote-site arrangements, and contractor mobilisation as applicable.
• Lead and develop the HR team, and report on workforce measures such as turnover, vacancies, succession, absence, employee relations and costs, recommending action where needed.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration or a related discipline.
• At least 10 years of progressive HR experience, including five or more years leading an HR function or senior HR team.
• Experience supporting oil and gas operations or a comparable high-risk, asset-intensive industry with technical and operational workforces.
• Relevant professional HR qualification and membership or registration suited to the country of employment.
• A master’s degree in HR, Business Administration or a related field is an advantage.
• Strong commercial judgement, workforce planning and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret people data and recommend practical action.
• Demonstrated capability in leadership, employee and industrial relations, negotiation, change management and confidential decision-making.
• Clear communication and sound safety awareness, including an understanding of workforce risks in operational environments.