HR Director

Michael Page; Thatcham; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm seeks an HR Director for 12-14 months maternity cover starting January 2026. This hybrid role involves managing an HR team, developing people strategy, and enhancing employee engagement within the FMCG sector. Candidates should have substantial experience in HR leadership and be adept at stakeholder management. Competitive salary and benefits, including a car allowance and private medical cover, are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Car allowance of £9600

Company bonus scheme

Pension - 5% employee, 10% employer

27 days holiday plus Bank Holidays

Private Medical - Single Cover AXA

Health and wellbeing discounts

Free onsite gym

Flexible Benefits platform

Qualifications

• Demonstrable blue chip experience in HR leadership roles at HR Director level or above.
• Experience within FMCG or similar industry preferred.
• Ability to manage complex stakeholder networks effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate a team of 11 HR associates.
• Develop People strategy aligned with global HR guidelines.
• Implement local and functional transformation projects.

Skills

HR leadership

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Business acumen

Job description

Overview

The HR Director's key focus areas will include building leadership capability, driving a performance culture, and enhancing associate engagement. You will also lead on some key change aspects. This role is offered on a maternity cover basis - 12-14 months - start in January 2026. We are keen to hear from candidates with demonstrable tenure at a senior HR level - HR Director or equivalent. Strong experience in FMCG or similar would be highly preferable.

Client Details

Our client operates within the FMCG sector and is recognised as a large organisation with a strong international market presence. It is known for its focus on delivering high-quality products and fostering a professional work environment.

Description

Reports to the General Manager for the UK&I cluster, with other key stakeholders including the VP HR Europe (dotted line reporting) and the local Plant Director. Located in Maidenhead office, with weekly / bi-weekly travel to the plant site in Oxfordshire, and occasional travel to Amsterdam, Dublin and other European locations as required for meetings. Responsible for motivating and inspiring a team of 11 HR associates (including 6 direct reports). Key contributor to the company's European People Strategy. The HR Director UK&I is accountable for managing the HR function within the UK&I organisation. The HR function acts as a facilitator for the company\'s vision in building leadership capability, driving a performance culture and enhancing associate engagement. Responsibilities include developing the People strategy in the country and addressing HR aspects such as compensation and benefits, talent and performance management, employee relations, associate engagement and DE&I. This is aligned with the global HR strategy and guidelines set by the central HR organisation. A key element of the UK&I HR Director role is to act as a business partner to local directors / managers, advising and challenging them on HR matters.

Develops and implements HR strategy (programs, processes, tools and models) locally in accordance with the global HR strategy and local business targets. Partners with the executive leadership to drive organisational change and workforce planning in line with business priorities. Leads the implementation of various local and/or functional transformation projects, ensuring they are appropriately resourced, structured and governed. Provides direction and coaching in driving teams\' engagement, talent development, performance management, organisational structures and resourcing strategies. Champions a positive, inclusive organisational culture that aligns with company values and drives employee engagement and performance. Leads local talent acquisition and development activities and contributes to broader regional agenda. Delivers HR metrics and provides regular reporting to senior leadership for data-driven decision-making. Manages local employee relations (unions, works councils, etc.) in cooperation with the GM and Plant in alignment with the central HR organisation. Develops competitive compensation structure and benefits within the global HR programs and guidelines. Contributes to the DE&I agenda by supporting initiatives that promote a diverse and inclusive workplace. Exhibits a strong focus on people development within own area and consistently improves capabilities and engagement across teams. This role is offered on a hybrid basis – typically with 3 days per week onsite.

Profile

To apply for this role, your profile will closely match the following:

• Demonstrable blue chip experience in HR leadership roles at HR Director level or above.
• Ideally experience within FMCG, but the client is open to other industries that align closely with FMCG.
• Team leadership: Experienced in leading a team of passionate and ambitious individuals working to support the business in delivering results and ensuring high engagement and compliance.
• Multiple stakeholder management: Experienced in managing a complex internal and external stakeholder network with different needs and priorities.
• Leadership skills: Recognisable capabilities to act on parity with the senior management team and colleagues, with strong influence and the ability to drive business development agenda.
• Result oriented: Ambitious and excellence-driven with a focus on outstanding business results.
• Communication skills: Excellent communicator, persuasive, able to operate at different levels inside and outside an international organisation; strong influencing, motivation, and networking skills.
• Business acumen: High energy, self-starter, capable of applying strategic and practical insights while managing risk.
• Charismatic and empathetic: Builds trust and earns respect across all levels of employees; experienced and trustworthy leadership.
• Availability: Available at short notice and able to start the maternity cover role in January 2026.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Car allowance of £9600
• Eligible for the company bonus scheme
• Pension - 5% employee, 10% employer
• Holiday - 27 days (+3 via holiday purchase) plus Bank Holidays
• Private Medical - Single Cover AXA
• Health and wellbeing discounts
• Private onsite gym free
• Flexible Benefits platform