HR Director

Kepak is one of Europe's leading food companies with manufacturing sites across Ireland and the UK. Kepak's vision is to be a successful, sustainable, future ready Food Business with differentiation at its core, that is a great place to work. This vision is underpinned by our values of Responsibility, Ambition, Passion for Food & Teamwork.

Kepak Foods Division have developed a portfolio of brands that are successful in the chilled convenience and frozen meat categories in the UK, Ireland and chosen European markets for both Retail and Foodservice Customers. We have 2 Manufacturing Sites supported by shared services, with 500 people supporting our vision to become a transformed, future proofed, profitable €0.5bn Food Business by 2030.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced HR leader to make a real and lasting impact. As HR Director in a fast-growing, family-owned business with ambitious plans for the future, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our people strategy and influencing the direction of the organisation. With exposure to every aspect of HR - from recruitment and employee engagement to learning & development and organisational design - this role offers both variety and breadth. You will work closely with senior leadership, have a genuine voice at the table, and the freedom to build and deliver initiatives that truly make a difference. If you are passionate about creating high-performing, people-focused cultures and want to help steer a business through an exciting phase of growth, we would love to hear from you.

About the role:

• Strategic Business Partnership: Collaborate closely with senior leadership to craft and execute HR strategies and initiatives that align with our business goals and foster growth whilst serving as a trusted advisor to leaders and managers. Spot emerging workforce trends and formulate proactive talent strategies to ensure our business is always ready for the future. Encourage leadership to embrace a people-centric approach by offering constructive challenges and insights. Pinpoint high-risk issues and partner with stakeholders to implement effective, pragmatic solutions.
• Leadership, team and project management: Inspire, guide, and cultivate a dynamic team of HR professionals (4 direct reports) to successfully achieve divisional HR goals. Work in partnership with cross-functional teams to align with business objectives, rolling out fresh HR initiatives and enhancing processes. Steer and manage HR projects from start to finish, ensuring they resonate with business objectives and adhere to established timelines. Track project milestones, navigate potential risks, and champion the ongoing enhancement of HR programs and systems.
• Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning: Collaborate with the Recruitment team to craft dynamic talent acquisition strategies that not only attract but also nurture and retain exceptional individuals. Initiate workforce planning initiatives that proactively address business requirements while promoting a culture of internal mobility. Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion by weaving these principles into our daily practices, aimed at cultivating a more inclusive work environment.
• Employee Development & Performance Management: Work with the L&D Team to integrate and champion employee growth initiatives that promote skill advancement, career growth, and leadership development throughout the division. Manage performance management systems and processes to guarantee that every employee receives consistent feedback and coaching aimed at enhancing their performance. Recognize and implement strategies to bridge skill gaps and boost overall organizational effectiveness.
• Organisational Development & Change Management: Craft and implement organizational development strategies that boost the efficiency and effectiveness of our business. Steer change management initiatives to facilitate seamless transitions during times of business transformation. Foster a culture of growth and adaptability, empowering our workforce to thrive amidst change. Oversee the integration of diverse multi-site teams following merger and acquisition activities, ensuring a harmonious blend of teams and cultures.

Key Deliverables:

• A People strategy designed to support the delivery of the organisational goals of the Foods Division.
• Successful implementation of the People strategy within the Foods Division.
• A robust succession planning framework underpinned by a strong performance driven culture.
• Continuous development of a positive Kepak culture.
• A high performing HR team within the Foods Division.
• Delivery of HR KPIs that are best in class for our industry.

Requirements:

• Several years experience operating at a senior level in a relevant people focused role.
• Strong background in leading management and leadership development activities, supporting cultural change and employee engagement.
• Experience of working at both strategic and operational level to deliver outcomes.
• Ability to operate at a strategic level across the organisation and to lead the people strategy in M&A opportunities.
• Excellent understanding of Employment Law, HR Policy and Practice.

This is a Hybrid role, working 3 days on-site in Kirkham, with travel, as and when required in the UK & Ireland.

Benefits:

• Company Pension.
• Further Education support.
• Employee Discount Platform - All Kepak employees are entitled to access to the WrkIt platform, which offers significant discounts and cashback with hundreds of brands.
• Long Service Awards - We recognise, acknowledge and award the dedication and valuable contribution of long serving employees.
• GroceryAid Employee Assistance Program - help with a wide range of topics including mental health and wellbeing support, family and relationship advice, debt management, back to work support, and counselling for all Kepak colleagues and their families.
• Corporate gym membership.
• Subsidised canteen.