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- Tasks: Lead HR strategies and support 2,000+ colleagues in a dynamic, international environment.
- Company: Element is a fast-growing global testing, inspection, and certification business with over 9,000 employees.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work flexibility, career growth opportunities, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape a positive workplace culture while driving impactful DEI initiatives and enhancing employee experience.
- Qualifications: Must have HR leadership experience and a relevant degree or equivalent qualification.
- Other info: This is a maternity cover role from February to December 2025.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Role – HR Director, Built Environment Business Unit (maternity cover)
Reports to – Vice President HR, EMEAA
Location – UK- Remote
Duration – February-December 2025
Element has an exciting opportunity for an experienced HR Director to join our EMEAA team on a maternity cover contract. This is a pivotal role partnering with the Business Unit Vice President and their extended teams to deliver the strategic people plans, build high performing teams, infuse a culture of customer centricity, and drive the employee experience.
The HR Director will lead an international team of experienced HR Business Partners who support our 2,000+ colleagues across the Built Environment business unit and will be responsible for overseeing all HR operations across its multiple geographies and regions (UK, Europe, Middle East and Asia).
The role is perfect for a dynamic, strategic and commercially minded HR leader who thrives in a fast-paced international environment, with a passion for shaping a culture of collaboration, inclusion and growth.
Key Role Responsibilities
- Provide strategic business partnerships and coaching to all levels of leadership in the region.
- Identify organisational needs, design and deliver targeted people solutions.
- Provide analysis and insights to drive improvement in key people metrics, including colleague engagement, turnover and top talent retention.
- Lead a team of HR Business Partners, ensuring that high quality, customer-focused support is provided across all global HR operations.
- Create and implement tailored training and career development programs to ensure the growth and retention of top talent.
- Lead the charge on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across the Business Unit.
- Ensure compliance with international employment laws and stay ahead of regulatory changes in all operating regions.
Key Requirements
- Relevant experience in a HR leadership role, within a fast paced, global/multi-site organisation
- Suitably qualified with either a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Organisational Psychology, CIPD or equivalent
- A strategic mindset with the ability to drive change and navigate complex organisational dynamics.
- A passion for fostering a positive workplace culture and enhancing employee experience.
- Commercially minded with the ability to leverage data in support of business decision making
About Us
Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to ‘Make tomorrow safer than today’.
When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access.
While we are proud of our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company. We empower you to take charge of your career, and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.
Industries across the world depend on our care, attention to detail and the absolute accuracy of our work. The role we have to play in creating a safer world is much bigger than our organization.
Diversity Statement
At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming “the world’s most trusted testing partner”.
All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.
“If you need an accommodation filling out an application, or applying to a job, please email ”
Human Resources Director (Maternity Cover) employer: Element Materials Technology
Contact Detail:
Element Materials Technology Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Human Resources Director (Maternity Cover)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific challenges and opportunities in the Built Environment sector. Understanding the nuances of this industry will help you demonstrate your strategic mindset and ability to drive change during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in leading diverse teams and implementing DEI initiatives. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've fostered a positive workplace culture and enhanced employee experience in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills by discussing how you've used data to inform HR decisions. Prepare to talk about key metrics you've improved, such as colleague engagement and turnover rates, to illustrate your impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the HR field, especially those with experience in global or multi-site organizations. Building connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Director (Maternity Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the HR Director position. Understand the key responsibilities and requirements, and think about how your experience aligns with them.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant HR leadership experience, particularly in fast-paced, global environments. Emphasize your strategic mindset and any specific achievements related to employee engagement and retention.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for fostering a positive workplace culture and your experience in driving change. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully implemented DEI initiatives or developed training programs.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Make sure to clearly state your qualifications, such as your degree in Human Resources or Organizational Psychology, and any relevant certifications like CIPD. This will help demonstrate your suitability for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Element Materials Technology
✨Show Your Strategic Mindset
Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've successfully driven change in a fast-paced environment. Highlight your ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics and how you’ve aligned HR strategies with business goals.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Culture
Be ready to share your vision for fostering a positive workplace culture. Discuss initiatives you've led or contributed to that enhanced employee experience, collaboration, and inclusion within your previous organizations.
✨Highlight Your Data-Driven Approach
Since the role requires leveraging data for decision-making, come prepared with examples of how you've used people metrics to drive improvements in engagement, turnover, or talent retention. This will showcase your commercially minded approach.
✨Emphasize Your Leadership Experience
As you'll be leading a team of HR Business Partners, share your leadership style and experiences. Talk about how you've supported and developed your team members, ensuring high-quality, customer-focused HR operations across multiple regions.
