Human Resources Director in London

Reference: 4825741Job ID: 5413211Posted: 2026-09-07Closing date: 2026-09-21Location: LondonSalary: Competitive Salary (per annum)Job type: PermanentWorking pattern: Full timeIndustry: Charities & Not For Profit / HR DirectorCompany: HaysConsultant: Matthew SharmanHays office: London-Central — 4th Floor, 107 Cheapside,Phone: 02072598747Email: Matthew.Sharman@hays.comPermanent | Hybrid Working (50% London Office Attendance – non contractual) | LondonHays are delighted to be working exclusively with the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) to appoint a Human Resources Director.This is a rare opportunity to join a globally recognised, purpose-led organisation at a pivotal point in its evolution. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, the HR Director will provide visible leadership across a London-based international HR and Learning & Development function, supporting a workforce operating across around 24 countries.The role offers the opportunity to build on the significant progress already made within the HR function and help shape and deliver its next stage of maturity. You will play a critical role in ensuring the organisation continues to attract, develop and retain talented people while providing expert advice on complex people matters across multiple international jurisdictions.The OpportunityThis is a genuinely hands-on HR Director role. Working closely with the Chief Operating Officer, Executive Committee and senior stakeholders worldwide, you will lead a developing HR function through its next phase of growth and continuous improvement.Key responsibilities will include:Providing strategic and operational leadership across the HR and Learning & Development functionLeading HR operations across the full employee lifecycle including recruitment, reward, employee relations, compliance, systems and people dataActing as a trusted adviser to the Chief Operating Officer and senior leadership team on complex and sensitive people mattersLeading and developing an HR team and supporting continued capability growthReviewing, maintaining and improving HR policies, processes and governance frameworks across multiple countriesEnsuring compliance with employment legislation and HR best practice across multiple international jurisdictionsDriving consistency and best practice across international HR operationsLeading annual reward and pay review processesOverseeing HR systems, reporting and people analytics to support business decision-makingWorking closely with leaders to strengthen management capability and performance across the organisationAbout YouWe are keen to speak with credible and experienced HR leaders who can demonstrate:Significant experience leading a broad HR function at Head of HR, HR Director or equivalent level with experience leading and developing HR teamsProven recent experience operating across multiple countries and international employment environmentsStrong expertise across employee relations, recruitment, reward, policy, compliance and HR operationsExperience in supporting senior leaders and advising on complex people mattersExperience improving systems and governance frameworksStrong commercial judgement and the ability to balance strategic thinking with operational deliveryExcellent written and verbal communication skillsChartered CIPD membership (or equivalent senior HR qualification)Degree-level education or equivalent senior professional experienceWhilst sector background is flexible, candidates must demonstrate a genuine interest in working within a mission-led organisation and be motivated by the opportunity to contribute to the MSC's environmental and sustainability goals.Why Join MSC?The MSC’s vision is for the world’s oceans to be teeming with life, and seafood supplies safeguarded for this and future generations. Today, the impacts of overfishing and climate change pose an even greater threat to the ocean and fish stocks. Through our internationally recognised certification and ecolabeling program, well-managed sustainable fisheries are recognised and rewarded throughout the seafood supply chain. Over 700 fisheries around the world, representing 19% of the annual global marine catch, are now engaged in the MSC program and MSC certified and labelled seafood products are now available in over 66 countries. Through partnerships and collective endeavour, we are on a mission to end overfishing.This is an opportunity to join an organisation with real purpose while leading and developing a high-performing international HR function during an exciting period of growth and change.Additional InformationPermanent positionHybrid working model, which is non-contractual (minimum 50% office attendance)London-based role25 days annual leaveEnhanced pension arrangementsLife assuranceInternational exposure and stakeholder engagementSignificant opportunity to influence organisational culture, capability and people strategyIf you are an experienced HR leader with international experience, strong operational capability and a passion for building high-performing organisations, we would love to hear from you. #4825741 - Matthew Sharman