Dron & Dickson group are specialists in integrated supply, installation and maintenance of harsh & hazardous electrical equipment and cable supply. Based at six UK locations, we provide Wholesale, distribution, specialist E&I inspection, maintenance and project services to all parts of the Offshore & Onshore Energy sector, Pharmaceutical, Marine and many other industries. Managed from our UK locations, our services operate within the UK, Europe, Africa and Asia.
Purpose: ‘Everyone Home Safe’ – An encapsulation of the right for everyone to return from work safely and promote their wellbeing; this applies to Dron & Dickson staff and all who come in to contact with our work activities. Our systems, processes and culture coupled with our supply and services ensures people, plant and the environment are kept safe. The primary purpose of this role is to visualise, create and align an ongoing workable strategy for the achievement of the companys mission, vision and values by effectively leading key stakeholders and the P&D department in all aspects of relevant operational and people management processes. Promote employee wellbeing and innovation by cultivating an environment that encourages employees to develop, learn and boost employee satisfaction and productivity whilst ensuring overall compliance
Objective: Influence and support Dron & Dickson group goals, structure and intitatives to drive long term strategic growth, success and employee satisfaction through effective HR management and ongoing continous improvement, securing and maintaining Dron & Dickson’s future as a high performing group of companies in people management and compliance.
Our Culture & Values: Our Values aim to underpin and create a positive culture and working environment as well as set behavioural expectations. We are committed to investing in our workforce as we recognise people as our greatest asset. Contribution towards the companies’ culture and core values are required as part of this role. Our Value acronym AGILE represents qualities associated with being responsive, flexible and adaptable to change which collectively have been identified as key differentiators that offer us competitive advantage.
Reporting to: People and Strategy Director
Direct Reports: P&D Team
Role Overview
Dron & Dickson is seeking a dynamic and experienced Manager to lead and build a P&D department to be proud of during a critical period of growth and transformation. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in aligning P&D strategies with the group’s long-term goals, fostering a positive culture, and implementing forward-thinking solutions to support growth, innovation, and international expansion.
This position offers the opportunity for career progression, with the potential to transition to Director level as group needs develop.
Immediate Priorities
1. Team Development: Recruit, onboard, and develop a P&D team to meet the group’s needs.
2. AI Integration: Identify and implement artificial intelligence tools to enhance P&D efficiency and reduce administrative burdens.
3. Support Growth: Prepare the P&D department for future group acquisitions, including managing cultural and operational integration.
4. Cultural Development: Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture.
5. Promote DEI: Develop and implement initiatives to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across the group.
Strategic Responsibilities
* Collaborate with the People and Strategy Director to develop and implement a forward-thinking P&D strategy that aligns with group goals.
* Embed strategic planning practices across the P&D function to support growth and scalability.
* Support group development, talent, and succession planning and leadership development initiatives.
* Ensure the P&D department is prepared to support international growth, including compliance with global employment laws and cultural integration.
* Lead the adoption of AI-driven P&D solutions to enhance service delivery.
* Drive DEI initiatives to foster a workplace culture that values diversity and ensures equitable opportunities for all employees.
Operational Responsibilities
* Oversee the development and implementation of P&D policies and procedures that promote Dron & Dickson as an employer of choice.
* Provide expert guidance on P&D matters, including:
o Resourcing, Talent Attraction, and Retention
o Performance Management
o Employee Relations and Engagement
o Group Design and Culture
o Reward and Compensation
o Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI)
* Lead the P&D team to deliver proactive, efficient support to all departments.
* Ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations, including IR35, GDPR, and offshore requirements.
* Manage and analyse P&D metrics to provide actionable insights (e.g., retention rates, salary benchmarking, and workforce demographics).
* Maintain and oversee the P&D Improvement Plan, providing regular progress updates.
* Prepare and manage the annual P&D budget, ensuring efficient resource allocation.
* Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to support continuous improvement initiatives, including audits, tenders, and client contract reviews.
* Ensure an effectively utilised, well-maintained group P&D management system (Cezzanne).
* Guide and contribute to group Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives.
Training and Development
* Develop and oversee the company’s training and development strategy to ensure current and future competency needs are met.
* Maximise available funding for employee development, such as the Apprenticeship Levy.
* Support the design and implementation of career development plans and leadership training initiatives.
* Implement DEI-focused training programs to educate and engage employees at all levels.
* Manage overall training and development plan to or withing approved annual group budgets.
* Govern an appraisal process that is well suited to the group, consistent and that provides a robust return on investment to participants, including regular reporting to group leadership.
Recruitment
* Implement cost-effective recruitment strategies to attract top talent and support group growth.
* Ensure all regulatory aspects of the hiring process are fulfilled.
* Provide guidance to line managers on job descriptions, salary benchmarking, and best recruitment practices.
* Embed DEI principles into recruitment and hiring processes to ensure diverse talent pipelines.
HSEQ Responsibilities:
* Comply with all Dron & Dickson’s integrated managements system including all policies and Procedures.
* Ensure the Company meets its statutory obligations in all areas pertaining to health, safety and welfare at work, including statutory training and reporting.
* Ensure all health and safety training is undertaken within the team.
* Ensure a safe workplace environment without risk to health.
* To be fully aware, assist and support the ongoing development of the integrated management system.
* To take a proactive approach to continuous improvement and development of the company’s systems and processes.
Core Skills and Competencies
* Strong leadership and team management skills.
* Strategic mindset with the ability to align P&D initiatives with group goals.
* Proven ability to foster trust, feedback, and recognition within teams.
* Expertise in managing change and delivering innovative solutions.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to develop and execute effective training and development programs.
* Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
* Flexible, adaptable, and delivery-focused, with excellent time management.
* Commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace and driving DEI initiatives.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
* Time-to-hire for key roles.
* Employee retention rates within the first 12-24 months.
* Completion of AI integration milestones within the first 12-18 months.
* Successful development of the P&D team within the first 6 months.
* Cultural integration scores post-acquisition (as measured by employee feedback surveys).
* DEI metrics, such as improvements in representation, inclusion scores, and participation in DEI initiatives.
Required Qualifications and Training
* CIPD Level 5 or 7 in Human Resource Management or equivalent degree.
* Proven experience in managing P&D teams within a growing organisation / group.
* Training in IR35 compliance and other relevant regulations (desirable).
* Knowledge of AI applications in P&D (desirable).
* Experience implementing and leading DEI initiatives (preferred).
Personal Development
Dron & Dickson is committed to supporting the professional growth of its employees. The P&D Manager will receive a tailored personal development plan designed to prepare them for future leadership roles, including the potential transition to P&D Director.
Evaluation Metrics
* Achievement of P&D Improvement Plan milestones.
* Delivery of departmental KPIs and alignment with group goals.
* Feedback from stakeholders and employee satisfaction surveys.
* Progress in DEI initiatives and measurable outcomes.
* Effective, efficient and extensive management of data within P&D system (Cezzanne).
Additional Information
* The role requires occasional travel to meet business needs.
* Participation in social and business networking may be expected.
* A proactive approach to continuous improvement and development is essential.
Hours of work:
* Mon to Thurs: 8.30am – 5pm
* Fri: 8.30am – 4.30pm
Benefits Package:
* Pension: 3% Company Contribution, minimum 5% employee contribution
* 33 days annual leave (inclusive of 8 public holidays).
* Annual bonus if targets met (not guaranteed)
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Critical Illness Cover: £20,000
* Bike 2 Work Scheme
* Life Assurance: 2 x Annual Salary
* Enhanced Maternity Pay
* Enhanced Paternity Pay
* Perks & Discounts