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- Tasks: Lead HR strategy, manage teams, and drive employee engagement initiatives.
- Company: Kepak is a top food company in Europe, focused on sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, a pension plan, discounts, and wellness support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing family business with a people-first culture.
- Qualifications: Senior HR experience, strong leadership skills, and knowledge of employment law required.
- Other info: This role is hybrid, requiring 3 days on-site in Kirkham.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
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.
HR Director – Kirkham (Hybrid)
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 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\’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 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 stragies 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
- Championing 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 year experience operating at a senior level in a relevant people focussed 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
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HR Director employer: Kepak Group
Contact Detail:
Kepak Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Director
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Kepak's values and vision. Understanding their commitment to responsibility, ambition, passion for food, and teamwork will help you align your approach during interviews and discussions, showcasing how you can contribute to their culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Kepak, especially those in HR roles. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations for the HR Director position, which can help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate your fit.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully implemented HR strategies in previous roles. Focus on your experience with talent acquisition, employee engagement, and organisational development, as these are key areas for the role at Kepak.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends in HR, particularly around diversity, equity, and inclusion. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these topics will demonstrate your commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace, which is a priority for Kepak.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in HR leadership, particularly in strategic business partnership and talent acquisition. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive people-focused initiatives.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for creating high-performing cultures and how your values align with Kepak's. Mention specific strategies you've implemented in previous roles that relate to the key deliverables of the HR Director position.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your understanding of employment law, HR policy, and practice. Showcase your experience in leading management development activities and your ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: Describe your leadership approach and how you inspire and guide teams. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed HR projects and fostered a culture of growth and adaptability in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kepak Group
✨Understand the Company Values
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand Kepak's values of Responsibility, Ambition, Passion for Food, and Teamwork. Be prepared to discuss how these values resonate with your own experiences and how you can embody them in your role as HR Director.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
As an HR Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to craft and execute HR strategies that align with business goals. Prepare examples of past initiatives you've led that resulted in measurable outcomes, particularly those that fostered growth and a people-centric culture.
✨Highlight Change Management Experience
Given the emphasis on organisational development and change management in the role, be ready to share specific instances where you've successfully navigated change within an organisation. Discuss your approach to fostering adaptability and how you've supported teams during transitions.
✨Prepare for Leadership Questions
Expect questions about your leadership style and how you inspire and guide teams. Think of examples where you've developed talent, managed performance, and built high-performing teams. This will showcase your capability to lead the HR function effectively.