Chief People Officer

Royal Holloway, University of London; Borough of Runnymede; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced HR Director for maternity cover. This role involves leading a team and driving HR initiatives across the organization. Candidates should have significant leadership experience in the FMCG sector, along with excellent communication and change management skills. The position offers a competitive salary of £100,000 – £140,000, car allowance, medical coverage, and a flexible benefits platform. Hybrid working model with travel required.

Benefits

Car allowance

Eligibility for bonus scheme

Pension scheme

Private medical coverage

Onsite gym access

Flexible benefits platform

Qualifications

• Senior HR Director experience in FMCG or similar industry.
• Experience managing a team of HR associates including direct reports.
• Ability to influence senior management.

Responsibilities

• Build leadership capability and enhance associate engagement.
• Lead change initiatives and advise local directors on HR matters.
• Develop local HR strategy aligned with global goals.
• Drive organizational change and manage HR projects.

Skills

Leadership capability

Change management

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Motivation

Networking skills

Commitment to diversity

Education

CIPD preferred

Job description

Job Overview

HR Director – Maternity Cover (12‑14 months) – start January 2026.

Location: Maidenhead, Hertfordshire (UK) with weekly/bi‑weekly travel to Oxfordshire plant and occasional travel to Amsterdam, Dublin and other European locations. Hybrid working – 3 days onsite per week.

Salary: £100,000 – £140,000 plus benefits.

Key Responsibilities

• Build leadership capability, drive a performance culture and enhance associate engagement across the UK&I organisation.
• Lead key change initiatives and serve as a business partner to local directors and managers, advising and challenging them on HR matters.
• Develop and implement a local HR strategy, programmes, processes, tools and models in line with the global HR strategy and local business targets.
• Partner with executive leadership to drive organisational change, workforce planning and transformation projects, ensuring they are appropriately resourced, structured and governed.
• Deliver direction and coaching to drive teams’ engagement, talent development, performance management, organisational structure and resourcing strategies.
• Champion an inclusive organisational culture that aligns with company values and drives employee engagement and performance.
• Lead local talent acquisition, development activities and contribute to the broader regional agenda.
• Deliver HR metrics and provide high‑quality HR services (compensation and benefits, talent & performance management, employee relations, engagement and DE&I).
• Manage local employee relations (unions, works councils) in cooperation with the GM and plant, and develop a competitive compensation and benefits structure.
• Support the DE&I agenda by promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• Provide regular reports to senior leadership for data‑driven decision making.

Qualifications & Experience

• Senior HR Director (or equivalent) experience, preferably within FMCG or a similar industry.
• Proven experience leading a team of 11‑12 HR associates, including 6 direct reports.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex stakeholder networks and influence senior management.
• Strong leadership and business acumen with a focus on results and continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication, influencing, motivation and networking skills.
• Experience in organisational change, workforce planning and transformation projects.
• Knowledge of compensation & benefits design, talent management and employee relations.
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Relevant qualifications such as CIPD preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive salary (£100,000 – £140,000).
• Car allowance of £9,600.
• Eligibility for the company bonus scheme.
• Pension scheme – 5% employee contribution, 10% employer.
• Holiday entitlement of 27 days + 3 days through holiday purchase plus bank holidays.
• Private medical coverage (Single Cover AXA). Private onsite gym access.
• Flexible benefits platform and other perks.

Application Process

To apply, please submit your résumé and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience.