Senior HR Director in Reading

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary HR Business Partner to Global BU leadership team members advising on organization design, workforce planning, talent, and culture.
• Align HR strategy with global business priorities in partnership with the GCD Global HR Lead.
• Use HR analytics and workforce insights to support data driven decisions.
• Collaborate with global HR COEs (Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, Leadership & Talent Development, HR Ops) to deploy scalable HR solutions.
• Drive leadership development, succession planning, and employee engagement.
• Lead reorganizations, M&A integrations, and workforce transitions.
• Ensure adherence to local labor legislation while aligning with global standards.
• Support leaders through change with clear communication and people first execution.
• Oversee implementation of HR policies, compliance programs, and audit readiness.
• Ensure timely HR reporting and insights to senior management.
• Contribute to HR budgeting and identify opportunities to streamline HR processes.
• Operate as a trusted advisor with strong influencing capability in a global, matrixed organization.
• Collaborate with HR peers across R&D Solutions to ensure alignment of priorities and execution.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree preferred.
• CIPD qualification (Level 5 or above) or equivalent HR certification.
• 10+ years of HR generalist/specialist experience supporting senior leadership in complex, matrixed global organizations.
• Preferred background in life sciences, CRO, technology, or consulting environments.
• Expertise in organization design, leadership development, talent management, and engagement.
• Demonstrated success leading change initiatives (reorgs, integrations, scaling transitions).
• Strong knowledge of European labor legislation and multi country HR environments.
• Exceptional judgment, communication, and problem-solving skills.