Head of HR - EMEA

COREcruitment; London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global quick service restaurant brand is looking for a Head of HR for the EMEA and APEC regions. This role involves aligning HR strategies with business goals, developing talent acquisition strategies, and overseeing HR compliance across multiple countries. Candidates must have significant senior HR experience and the capability to work autonomously at an executive level.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of senior HR experience, including international exposure.
• In-depth understanding of HR practices across various countries.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience influencing at executive levels.

Responsibilities

• Act as a strategic partner to Regional Vice Presidents and Operations Directors.
• Design and deliver HR strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Manage relationships with external recruitment partners.

Skills

Employee relations

Talent management

Communication

Analytical skills

Job description

Head of HR – EMEA
Global QSR Brand
Up to £95,000 | Central London (Hybrid)

A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen for a forward-thinking Head of HR to lead the people strategy across Europe, the Middle East & Africa (EMEA) and the Asia Pacific (APEC) regions for a well-established global quick service restaurant brand.

This pivotal role is ideal for a commercially minded HR leader with strong international experience and a passion for shaping high-performing, people-first cultures.As Head of HR, you will work closely with senior regional leaders to align HR priorities with business goals, drive workforce planning, support leadership development, and ensure a consistent employee experience across diverse markets.

Key Responsibilities of the Head of HR

• Act as a strategic partner to Regional Vice Presidents and Operations Directors.
• Design and deliver HR strategies tailored to the specific needs of EMEA and APEC, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Lead workforce planning, organisational design, and change initiatives across multiple territories.
• Develop regional talent acquisition and retention strategies to secure and nurture high-performing operational talent.
• Manage relationships with external recruitment partners and oversee regional staffing processes.
• Analyse employee engagement data and lead targeted actions to improve satisfaction and reduce attrition.
• Support regional leadership in identifying and developing high-potential individuals through structured development and succession planning.
• Oversee HR compliance and employee relations, staying up to date with labour legislation across EMEA and APEC.
• Provide expert guidance on complex employee relations cases, partnering with legal advisers as required.
• Manage disciplinary procedures, grievances, and internal investigations in accordance with local laws and best practice.
• Oversee the delivery of key HR initiatives including reward, benefits, and learning and development programmes.
• Lead onboarding and orientation processes, particularly within the APEC region.
• Track and report on HR metrics, providing actionable insights to inform strategic decisions.

The right Head of HR

• A minimum of 5 years’ senior HR experience, including international exposure within EMEA and/or APEC regions.
• In-depth understanding of HR practices including employee relations, talent management, recruitment, and employment law across various countries.
• Confident working autonomously and influencing at executive level.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a proactive and analytical approach.
• Proven experience in handling sensitive matters, including disciplinary investigations and resolution of complex people issues.

Location & Working Model

• Based in: Central London, UK
• Working Pattern: Hybrid (3 days office-based, 2 days remote) – from 2026