Global Human Resources Director in Colchester

Shape the people strategy behind a global growth success story.

The Business

We’re supporting a high‑growth, innovation‑driven consumer products brand that has expanded at pace over the last five years. With operations across the UK, Europe, USA, Asia and China, and a global workforce of c.140, the business has built its reputation on exceptional products, bold thinking and a deeply committed team.

As the organisation enters its next phase of international scale‑up, there is a clear recognition that people, culture and leadership capability must evolve at the same pace as the business. To enable this, the company is appointing its first Global HR Director.

The Opportunity

This is a rare, blank‑canvas mandate to build and lead a global People & Culture function from the ground up. Reporting directly to the COO and joining a close‑knit senior leadership team, you will transition the organisation from an outsourced HR model to a strategic, in‑house capability that drives performance, cohesion and long‑term value. This is not a policy‑heavy, compliance‑first role. This is about creating commercial advantage through people.

You will take the energy, creativity and loyalty already embedded in the business and elevate it—introducing structure, strategy and investment that enables people and teams to thrive as the organisation scales.

What You’ll Lead

• Global People & Culture Strategy aligned to ambitious commercial growth
• Building an in‑house HR function capable of supporting a multi‑site, international operation
• Executive‑level partnership on organisation design, leadership capability and succession
• Leadership development, training frameworks and progression pathways that grow with the business
• Culture stewardship—protecting what makes the business special while enabling pace and cohesion across regions
• Fit‑for‑growth systems, reward frameworks and people data that support confident decision‑making
• Commercially grounded, pragmatic people initiatives that enable scale without unnecessary complexity

Who We’re Looking For

A senior, commercially minded HR leader who:

• Has built or scaled a People/HR function in a high‑growth, global environment
• Brings experience across manufacturing, product, supply chain or complex operational settings
• Understands how people strategy drives performance, speed and profitability
• Thrives in ambiguous, entrepreneurial environments and enjoys building from first principles
• Influences credibly at executive level while remaining hands‑on and delivery‑focused
• Is passionate about culture, leadership and development, and removes complexity rather than adding it

Why This Role Stands Out

• A greenfield opportunity to architect a global People function from scratch
• Direct influence at the executive table during a pivotal international growth phase
• A values‑led, entrepreneurial culture that genuinely believes people are central to success
• The chance to shape the future of a market‑leading global brand while preserving its identity, pace and momentum

If you’re energised by growth, ownership and meaningful impact—and want to build something rather than maintain the status quo—let’s talk. Shortlisting is underway. Discretion assured.