Strategic HR Director for UK & Ireland

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

Job summary

Henderson Brown is partnering with a leading international Consumer Goods manufacturer to appoint a strategic HR Director for the UK & Ireland. The role focuses on aligning UKI with global HR strategy, shaping organisational effectiveness, and elevating leadership to drive operational excellence across employee populations.

You will partner with UKI leaders, site directors and global HR to deliver transformation, governance and high‑performance culture across corporate and production settings.

Qualifications

• 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.

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.
• Drive a cohesive HR approach across corporate and production settings.
• 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.
• 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.
• Partner with Talent Acquisition to build 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.
• 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.

Skills

Strategic HR

Stakeholder influence

Matrix organisation

Labour relations

Change management

Leadership coaching

Job description

Henderson Brown is partnering with a leading international Consumer Goods manufacturer to appoint a strategic HR Director for the UK & Ireland. The role focuses on aligning UKI with global HR strategy, shaping organisational effectiveness, and elevating leadership to drive operational excellence across employee populations.

You will partner with UKI leaders, site directors and global HR to deliver transformation, governance and high‑performance culture across corporate and production settings.