Head of Human Resources
Location: Manchester
Permanent
About MCR Property Group
MCR Property Group is a leading independent real estate investment and development company with a strong UK presence across London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow.
With a multi-billion-pound portfolio spanning residential, commercial, industrial, and student accommodation assets, MCR is entering a significant phase of growth. The business is entrepreneurial, fast-paced, and performance-driven, with a clear focus on delivering value through acquisition, development, and active asset management.
This is an opportunity to join a business where decisions are made quickly, standards are high, and individuals are empowered to make a tangible impact.
Role Overview
We are seeking a commercially astute Head of Human Resources to build and lead the people strategy during a critical phase of expansion of our Flow Student brand.
This role will operate at senior leadership level, partnering directly with key stakeholders across the Flow Student business to ensure the organisational structure, talent capability, and culture are aligned to support continued growth.
You will be responsible for shaping a scalable, high-performance HR function, capable of supporting a dynamic property business operating across multiple sectors and locations.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Develop and implement a people strategy aligned to MCR's growth and investment objectives within Flow Student.
Partner with senior leadership to influence organisational design, workforce planning, and business structure
Drive performance-led initiatives that embed accountability and commercial focus across teams
Lead and evolve recruitment strategy across construction, property, and corporate functions
Develop succession planning and leadership capability across the organisation
Implement robust performance management frameworks aligned to business outcomes
Culture & Employee Engagement
Shape and embed a high-performance, delivery-focused culture
Drive initiatives to improve employee engagement, retention, and productivity
Act as a trusted advisor on complex employee relations matters
HR Operations & Compliance
Mobilisation & TUPE Expertise - Lead all people-related mobilisation activity across new site acquisitions and operator transitions
Oversee TUPE processes, consultation, and integration of transferring employees
Ensure smooth cultural and operational integration into the Flow Student model
Partner with Operations to deliver Day 1 readiness from a people and structure perspective
Data, Systems & HR Tech
Own and develop HR systems and data strategy (HRIS, reporting dashboards, integrations)
Use data to drive decision-making across attrition, performance, recruitment, and cost
Align HR systems with wider business platforms (e.g. operations, CRM, finance)
Commercial & Cost Control Accountability
Multi-Site / Operational Workforce Strategy
Develop scalable workforce models across multi-site operations
Standardise role structures, job descriptions, and operating models across the portfolio
Support regional and site-level leadership with workforce planning and performance
Risk, Governance & Audit Readiness
Leadership Behaviour & Culture Definition
Report of Success Measures
Creating a reduction in staff turnover (target to be defined)
Time-to-hire and quality-of-hire metrics
Agency cost reduction
% of roles filled internally (succession pipeline strength)
Employee engagement scores (with year-on-year improvement)
Successful mobilisation delivery (on-time, zero major ER issues)
Payroll accuracy and HR compliance audit scores
Employee Lifecycle Ownership
Attraction Recruitment Onboarding Performance Development Retention Exit
Ensure full compliance with UK employment legislation across a multi-site portfolio
Oversee HR policies, procedures, and governance frameworks
Optimise HR systems and processes to support operational efficiency
Compensation & Benefits
Design and implement competitive reward and benefits strategies
Oversee payroll and benefits administration across the business
Benchmark compensation structures in line with market and sector expectations
Leadership & Team Development
Lead, mentor, and develop the HR function
Build a proactive, commercially aware HR team capable of supporting rapid growth
Ensure HR is seen as a value-driving function, not just a support service
Candidate Profile
Experience
8-12+ years' progressive HR experience, with significant time spent in senior leadership roles
Proven track record operating within fast-paced, growth-focused environments
Experience within property, construction, real estate, or a related sector is highly advantageous
Qualifications
Degree in HR, Business, or related discipline
CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent) preferred but not mandatory.
Core Competencies
Strong commercial acumen with the ability to align people strategy to business performance
Confident operating at board level, with the ability to influence and challenge senior stakeholders
Strong leadership capability with experience building and developing teams
In-depth knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
Personal Attributes
Resilient and adaptable, comfortable operating in a fast-moving environment
Hands-on and pragmatic, with a delivery-focused mindset
High emotional intelligence and sound judgement
Professional, discreet, and solutions-oriented
Success Measures
Delivery of a scalable HR function aligned to business growth
Improved talent acquisition outcomes across key business areas
Strong employee engagement and retention metrics
Effective succession planning and leadership development
Reduced HR risk and full compliance across the portfolio
Why Join MCR Property Group
Opportunity to shape and lead the HR function within a high-growth business
Direct exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making
A fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment where impact is visible and valued
A role with genuine influence over culture, performance, and long-term success.
