Human Resources Director

Henderson Brown; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Henderson Brown is searching for a strategic HR Director to oversee the UK & Ireland, guiding organisational effectiveness and leadership capability across a complex matrix structure. The role partners with site leaders and global HR to align regional priorities with global strategy.

With 10-15+ years in HR and a strong track record in transformation, you will drive HR governance, succession planning, and DE&I commitments while ensuring operational excellence across employee populations in both

Qualifications

• 10-15+ years of progressive HR experience, including 5+ years in senior HR leadership within a complex, multinational organisation.
• Ability to influence senior executives and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Experience supporting both corporate and manufacturing populations.
• Deep knowledge of UK/Ireland labour relations and HR compliance.
• Proven track record in transformation, change management, and organisational development.

Responsibilities

• Define and deliver the UKI HR strategy aligned with global and EMEA priorities.
• Advise senior leadership on workforce planning, organisational design, talent strategy, and change management.
• Partner with General Managers, Commercial Leadership, and Manufacturing/Supply Chain teams to support performance.
• Lead transformation initiatives including restructuring, capability building, integration, and leadership development.
• Oversee HR operations across UK and Irish entities, ensuring compliance, risk management, and consistent HR processes.
• Drive engagement strategies and foster a culture of trust, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Strategic HR Leadership

Stakeholder influence

People & culture

UK & Ireland labour relations

Change management

Job description

Henderson Brown is delighted to be supporting a leading international Consumer Goods manufacturer in the search for a strategic HR Director for the UK & Ireland, overseeing one of the organisation’s most operationally diverse and important regions.

Operating across diverse corporate functions and manufacturing environments, this role requires advanced capability in navigating a complex matrixed organisation to align the UKI business with global HR strategy and priorities.

As a key partner to UKI business leaders, site directors, and global HR, you will shape organisational effectiveness, elevate leadership capability, and ensure operational excellence across all employee populations.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic HR Leadership

• Define and deliver the UKI HR strategy aligned with global and EMEA priorities.
• Advise senior leadership on workforce planning, organisational design, talent strategy, and change management.
• Drive a cohesive HR approach across corporate and production settings.

2. Business Partnership & Organisation Development

• Partner with General Managers, Commercial Leadership, and Manufacturing/Supply Chain teams to support commercial and operational performance.
• Lead transformation initiatives including restructuring, capability building, integration, and leadership development.
• Coach senior leaders to strengthen effectiveness and build a high-performance culture.

3. HR Operations & Compliance

• Oversee HR operations across UK and Irish entities, ensuring compliance, risk management, and consistent HR processes.
• Ensure robust payroll, data management, performance cycles, C&B governance, and HR standards.
• Manage complex ER matters, including union and employee representative interactions.

4. Talent, Culture & Engagement

• Partner with Talent Acquisition to build strong pipelines for corporate and production roles.
• Lead talent reviews, succession planning, and leadership development.
• Champion company values, leadership expectations, and DE&I commitments.
• Drive engagement strategies and foster a culture of trust, accountability, and continuous improvement.

5. Manufacturing / Production HR Leadership

• Oversee HR for UKI production sites, ensuring effective labour planning, skills development, and engagement.
• Support site leaders on productivity, capability, H&S culture, and labour relations.
• Align regional practices with global Manufacturing/Supply Chain HR standards.

6. HR Governance & Collaboration

• Act as the HR escalation point for the UKI region.
• Work closely with HR Centres of Excellence to deploy global programs consistently.
• Manage HR budgets, compliance, people analytics, and regional KPIs.

Requirements

• 10-15+ years of progressive HR experience, including 5+ years in senior HR leadership within a complex, matrixed, multinational organisation.
• Strong ability to influence senior executives and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Experience supporting both corporate and manufacturing/industrial populations.
• Deep knowledge of UK/Ireland labour relations and HR compliance.
• Proven track record in transformation, change management, and organisational development.

Henderson Brown is a specialist recruitment partner within the Consumer Goods and FMCG sectors, supporting organisations across manufacturing, operations, supply chain, commercial, and HR.