Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR strategy across EMEA and APEC for a global QSR brand.
- Company: Join a well-established global quick service restaurant brand making an impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid working model with competitive salary and corporate perks.
- Why this job: Shape high-performing cultures and drive workforce planning in diverse markets.
- Qualifications: 5+ years of senior HR experience with international exposure required.
- Other info: Based in Central London, with a mix of office and remote work.
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.
- 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
Head of HR - EMEA employer: COREcruitment
Contact Detail:
COREcruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of HR - EMEA
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the HR field, especially those who have experience in the EMEA and APEC regions. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in HR management.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific HR challenges faced by quick service restaurant brands in different markets. Understanding these nuances will help you demonstrate your strategic thinking during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading change initiatives and workforce planning. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully aligned HR strategies with business goals in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s culture and values thoroughly. Tailor your conversations to reflect how your leadership style and HR philosophy align with their people-first approach, showcasing your fit for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of HR - EMEA
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your senior HR experience, particularly any international exposure within EMEA and APEC regions. Emphasise your achievements in shaping people-first cultures and aligning HR strategies with business goals.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for HR and your understanding of the unique challenges faced in the quick service restaurant industry. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully led workforce planning and talent acquisition strategies.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Highlight your strong interpersonal and communication skills, as well as your analytical approach. Provide examples of how you've influenced executive-level decisions and managed complex employee relations cases.
Research the Company: Familiarise yourself with the global quick service restaurant brand's values and culture. Understanding their business objectives will help you align your application with what they are looking for in a Head of HR.
How to prepare for a job interview at COREcruitment
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
As a Head of HR, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to align HR strategies with business goals. Prepare examples of how you've successfully partnered with senior leaders in the past to drive workforce planning and organisational design.
✨Highlight International Experience
Given the global nature of this role, it's crucial to showcase your international HR experience. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced in EMEA or APEC regions and how you navigated them to achieve positive outcomes.
✨Prepare for Complex Scenarios
Expect questions about handling sensitive employee relations issues. Think of instances where you've managed disciplinary procedures or resolved complex people issues, and be prepared to explain your approach and the results.
✨Demonstrate Data-Driven Decision Making
The role involves analysing employee engagement data and providing actionable insights. Be prepared to discuss how you've used HR metrics in the past to inform strategic decisions and improve employee satisfaction.
