Head of HR – EMEA

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.

The right Head of HR

• 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.