HR Director

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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 has developed a portfolio of brands that are successful in the chilled convenience and frozen meat categories in the UK, Ireland, and selected 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.

Why join us?

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\’ll play a pivotal role in shaping our people strategy and influencing the organization. With exposure to every aspect of HR—from recruitment and employee engagement to learning & development and organizational design—this role offers variety and breadth. You\’ll 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\’re passionate about creating high-performing, people-focused cultures and want to help steer a business through an exciting phase of growth, we\’d 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, serving as a trusted advisor to leaders and managers
• Identify emerging workforce trends and develop proactive talent strategies to ensure our business is always prepared for the future
• Encourage leadership to adopt a people-centric approach by offering constructive challenges and insights
• Identify high-risk issues and partner with stakeholders to implement effective, pragmatic solutions

Leadership, Team, and Project Management:

• Inspire, guide, and develop a dynamic team of HR professionals (4 direct reports) to achieve divisional HR goals
• Partner with cross-functional teams to align initiatives with business objectives, implement new HR programs, and improve processes
• Manage HR projects end-to-end, ensuring alignment with business goals and timelines
• Monitor project milestones, manage risks, and promote continuous improvement of HR systems and programs

Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning:

• Work with recruitment teams to develop strategies that attract, nurture, and retain top talent
• Lead workforce planning initiatives to proactively meet business needs and promote internal mobility
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion principles in daily practices to foster an inclusive work environment

Employee Development & Performance Management:

• Collaborate with L&D teams to promote employee growth, skill development, and leadership
• Oversee performance management systems to ensure consistent feedback and coaching
• Implement strategies to address skill gaps and enhance organizational effectiveness

Organizational Development & Change Management:

• Develop and execute strategies to improve organizational efficiency
• Lead change management initiatives to support business transformations
• Foster a culture of growth and adaptability, empowering employees to thrive through change
• Manage integration of multi-site teams post-mergers or acquisitions, ensuring cultural harmony

Key Deliverables:

• A people strategy aligned with divisional goals
• Successful implementation of the people strategy
• A robust succession planning framework supported by a performance-driven culture
• Development of a positive Kepak culture
• A high-performing HR team within the division
• Delivery of industry-leading HR KPIs

Requirements:

• Extensive senior-level experience in a people-focused role
• Strong background in leadership development, cultural change, and employee engagement
• Experience delivering strategic and operational HR outcomes
• Ability to lead people strategy during M&A activities
• Excellent knowledge of employment law, HR policies, and practices

This is a hybrid role, working 3 days on-site in Kirkham, with travel as needed within the UK & Ireland.

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Further education support
• Employee discount platform (WrkIt)
• Long service awards
• GroceryAid Employee Assistance Program
• Gym membership
• Subsidized canteen

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