HR Transformation Manager
12-month fixed-term contract
Location: Birmingham Business Park, United Kingdom, with travel to Porto Shared Service Centre
Position Summary:
The HR Transformation Manager has a strategic and highly collaborative role and is responsible for leading and implementing organisational human resources transformation initiatives. This individual will be tasked with designing and implementing processes, systems, and cultural initiatives that support the evolution of HR functions to drive greater operational efficiency, employee experience, and alignment with organisational objectives. The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of HR best practices, project management expertise, and the ability to lead change management initiatives effectively.
Key responsibilities will include:
HR Transformation Processes & Execution
- Conduct needs assessments and gap analyses to identify improvement opportunities within HR processes, policies, and technology.
- Lead pivotal initiatives to re-engineer HR processes, making them more efficient, scalable, and employee-centred.
- Benchmark HR transformation trends and standard methodologies to identify areas for innovation and improvement.
Change management & stakeholder engagement
- Serve as a change agent within the organisation to build support and buy-in for transformation initiatives.
- Develop and execute comprehensive change management plans to ensure successful implementation of HR transformation projects.
- Communicate effectively with key collaborators, including executive leadership, HR teams, and business unit leaders, to ensure alignment and engagement.
Project management
- Handle all aspects, from planning and execution to monitoring and evaluation.
- Define project scope, goals, and results that support business goals in collaboration with senior management and collaborators.
- Build and maintain comprehensive project documentation, including project plans, status reports, risk assessments, and communication plans.
- Run project resources, budgets, and timelines to ensure projects are delivered on time and within scope.
Technology & process optimisation
- Own the adoption and integration of new HR technology solutions, including HRIS, ATS, performance management systems, and other HR tools.
- Find opportunities for automation, data analytics, and reporting to improve decision-making and drive efficiencies in HR processes.
- Monitor and measure the impact of transformation initiatives to ensure ongoing process improvements.
Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organisational Development, or a related field. A Master’s degree or equivalent experience or HR certifications (., SHRM-CP, SPHR) is a plus.
Experience: Demonstrated ability in HR, with at least 3 years in HR transformation, change management, or project management roles.
Technical skills: Proficiency in HRIS (ideally Oracle), project management software (., MS Project), and data analysis tools (., Excel, Power BI).
Project management: Proven track record in leading and managing large-scale projects, with experience in project management methodologies (., Agile, Waterfall).
Change management: Solid understanding of change management frameworks and standard methodologies, such as ADKAR, Kotter’s 8-Step Model, or Prosci.
Communication skills: Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with an ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively to various audiences.
Interpersonal skills: Ability to build strong relationships with diverse collaborators, influence without authority, and lead multi-functional teams.
Key competencies:
Critical Thinking: Ability to see the big picture and align HR transformation efforts with long-term business objectives.
Analytical Skills: Consistent track record in analysing data, identifying trends, and making data-driven recommendations for improvement.
Problem-Solving: Proactive in identifying problems and developing innovative solutions to sophisticated challenges.
Adaptability: Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with conflicting priorities.
Empathy & Cultural Awareness: Deep understanding of organisational culture and the ability to work with empathy and inclusivity in diverse teams.
Why Join Us?
Opportunity for Impact: Lead transformation initiatives that drive substantial change and enhance the employee experience.
Professional Development: Access to continuous learning opportunities, leadership development programs, and HR certifications.
Collaborative Culture: Work in a supportive and collaborative environment with a team that values diversity, innovation, and employee well-being.
GKN Automotive is the global leader in drive systems. GKN short video (/watch?v=4UCVhN2l_RQ)
Our culture is underpinned by our Values & Behaviours – Ingenious, Collaborative, Driven, Principled.
NOTE: Please submit your resume in English because we are an international environment and English is our business language.
If you need any adjustments made to support your application, for example, if you require information in different formats, or if you have any accessibility issues, then we have a process in place to support you – please feel free to get in touch with us at
We understand some applicants are less likely to apply to jobs unless they feel they meet every single qualification. Well, we all need the opportunity to grow and develop in a role. The team at GKN Automotive would encourage you to apply if our advert has taken your interest, rather than ruling yourself out based on any self-limiting beliefs. You never know, you may be exactly who we’re looking for!
WHY NOT JOIN US AND ACCELERATE THE FUTURE
Disclaimer: GKN Automotive does not accept agency resumes unless directly engaged by Talent Acquisition. Please do not forward any resumes to our employees. GKN Automotive will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.