Executive Director – EMEA Human Resources Business Advisor Lead, Functions

Executive Director – EMEA Human Resources Business Advisor Lead, Functions

Full-Time 100000 - 130000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
J.P. Morgan

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead HR strategy and drive innovative solutions for a diverse workforce across EMEA.
  • Company: Join a global leader in HR solutions with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to lead change and develop high-performing teams.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of HR while making a real impact on employee experience.
  • Qualifications: Extensive HR experience and strong analytical skills required.

The predicted salary is between 100000 - 130000 £ per year.

As the Executive Director, EMEA HRBA Lead for Functions is a senior HR leader and strategic partner responsible for driving the EMEA people agenda and enabling business success through innovative, data-driven, and future-ready HR solutions. This role partners with senior leaders across Finance, Compliance, Legal, Risk, Corporate Communications, Audit, Strategy, CAO, Government Relations, and Human Resources, supporting a large, multi-country employee population across EMEA. Reporting to the Global Head of Human Resources for Functions you will help shape and execute talent strategy, workforce planning, and employee experience priorities across a complex, highly matrixed organization. You will anticipate workforce needs, champion change, and lead adoption of HR products, digital solutions, and emerging technologies (including AI and automation) to improve outcomes and enhance the end‑to‑end employee experience.

Job responsibilities

  • Strategic partnership & workforce planning: Partner with EMEA and global senior leaders to co‑create and execute the talent strategy aligned to business goals and regional priorities. Lead workforce planning, talent forecasting, and scenario modeling, using data and analytics to anticipate impacts of business strategy shifts and proactively address talent needs. Advise on organizational design, restructuring, and change initiatives to enable a future‑ready organization.
  • Talent & leadership development: Drive the performance and talent management cycle, including succession planning, leadership development, and skills transformation. Provide coaching and advisory support to senior leaders and managers; proactively identify leadership and capability gaps. Leverage data and insights to strengthen internal mobility, development pathways, and leadership pipeline outcomes.
  • HR product, technology & innovation: Lead the adoption and implementation of HR products, digital solutions, and technology‑enabled processes across EMEA for Functions. Champion the integration of AI and automation to optimize HR service delivery, improve decision‑making, and enhance employee experience. Partner with HR subject matter experts and control partners to deploy and scale solutions, continuously improving effectiveness and efficiency.
  • Data analytics & insights: Interpret workforce metrics, identify trends, and develop actionable recommendations; translate insights into clear “data stories” that influence decisions. Model impact where relevant (e.g., outcomes, adoption, effectiveness) to support evidence‑based prioritization of people interventions. Serve as a regional connector of people insights, elevating themes and recommendations into global strategy discussions.
  • Employee experience & culture: Orchestrate holistic employee experience priorities, blending digital and in‑person approaches to strengthen engagement, belonging, and performance. Monitor sentiment through continuous feedback mechanisms (e.g., pulse surveys) and partner with leaders on targeted action planning.
  • HR operations, risk management & governance: Partner with Employee Relations and HR Legal on complex, time‑sensitive employee matters. Ensure alignment with local regulatory and governance expectations; embed risk‑and‑controls considerations into key people decisions and processes. Lead or sponsor cross‑functional initiatives to improve controls, simplify processes, and strengthen operational resilience.
  • Stakeholder management, business partnership & communication: Build and maintain strong relationships with senior leaders, acting as a trusted advisor on high‑impact people topics. Communicate with credibility and integrity across levels and geographies, navigating ambiguity and complexity. Demonstrate business acumen by understanding organizational strategy, financial drivers, and external trends to shape practical HR solutions.
  • Team leadership & development: Lead, coach, and develop a high‑performing HR team, fostering a culture of growth, collaboration, inclusion, and execution excellence. Support capability building across the team, including adoption of digital tools and analytics‑driven ways of working.

Required qualifications, capabilities, and skills:

  • Extensive experience of progressive Human Resources in a large‑scale, complex organization, including experience advising senior leaders.
  • Proven ability to operate in a highly matrixed, multi‑country environment and influence employee‑related decision‑making.
  • Experience leading change initiatives across multiple stakeholders (e.g., org change, process improvement, implementation).
  • Strong analytical and critical thinking skills; ability to use workforce data to identify trends and drive action.
  • Exceptional relationship management, communication, and presentation skills.
  • Demonstrated people leadership experience and ability to build and develop high‑performing teams.
  • Proficiency with core productivity tools (e.g., Excel, PowerPoint).

Preferred qualifications, capabilities, and skills:

  • Experience with digital HR tools, technology‑enabled HR processes, and/or AI‑enabled ways of working.
  • Strong program/project leadership skills with ability to manage multiple priorities and drive measurable outcomes.
  • Experience partnering on regulatory or governance‑related people topics in a controlled environment.

Executive Director – EMEA Human Resources Business Advisor Lead, Functions employer: J.P. Morgan

As an Executive Director at our EMEA HRBA Lead for Functions, you will join a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises innovation and employee experience. We foster a collaborative work culture that values diversity and inclusion, offering extensive growth opportunities through leadership development and access to cutting-edge HR technologies. Located in a dynamic region, we empower our employees to drive meaningful change while enjoying a supportive environment that champions professional advancement.

J.P. Morgan

Contact Details:

J.P. Morgan Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Executive Director – EMEA Human Resources Business Advisor Lead, Functions

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the HR field, especially those who work in EMEA. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s culture and recent news. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around talent strategy and employee experience.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your data-driven mindset! Be ready to discuss how you've used analytics in past roles to drive HR initiatives. This will resonate well with the strategic focus of the role.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.

We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director – EMEA Human Resources Business Advisor Lead, Functions

Strategic Partnership
Workforce Planning
Talent Strategy Execution
Data Analytics
Change Management
Leadership Development
HR Technology Adoption

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Executive Director role. Highlight your strategic partnership experience and any data-driven HR solutions you've implemented.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you've led teams and driven change in previous roles. Share examples of how you've developed talent and managed high-performing teams, especially in complex, multi-country environments.

Use Data to Tell Your Story:Since this role involves a lot of data analytics, include metrics and outcomes from your past experiences. Show us how you've used data to influence decisions and improve employee experiences.

Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves.

How to prepare for a job interview at J.P. Morgan

Know Your HR Landscape

Before the interview, dive deep into the company's HR strategies and recent initiatives. Understand how they align with the EMEA people agenda and be ready to discuss how your experience can enhance their current practices.

Data-Driven Insights

Prepare to showcase your analytical skills by bringing examples of how you've used data to drive HR decisions in the past. Be ready to discuss specific metrics and outcomes that demonstrate your ability to influence talent strategy through data.

Showcase Change Management Experience

Since this role involves leading change initiatives, come equipped with stories that highlight your experience in managing organisational change. Discuss the challenges you faced, how you navigated them, and the positive outcomes that resulted.

Build Relationships on the Spot

During the interview, focus on building rapport with your interviewers. Demonstrate your exceptional relationship management skills by actively listening, engaging in meaningful dialogue, and showing genuine interest in their perspectives on HR challenges.