At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR strategy across five European countries, ensuring compliance and cultural integration.
- Company: Join a global food and beverage manufacturer focused on transformation and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary up to £150k and additional corporate perks.
- Other info: This is a permanent role based in Greater London.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving organisational change and shaping a cohesive culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in multi-country HR leadership with strong knowledge of European employment laws required.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 210000 £ per year.
Group HR Director – Europe
Do you have the credibility, resilience, and cultural intelligence to align HR strategy and practices across five European countries, each with unique legislation, local dynamics, and varying levels of team capability?
Have you experience designing and embedding scalable HR systems such as talent frameworks, performance management, and compensation structures - across a decentralised, complex organisation?
Do you have the commercial mindset and leadership presence to influence a new senior team, drive organisational change without direct authority, and define what good looks like in a business mid-transformation?
MacGregor Black is partnering with a Global Food and Beverage Manufacturing business, looking for a European HR Director. This is a permanent role based in Greater London, United Kingdom.
As the European HR Director you will be responsible for rebuilding and aligning HR capability across five countries, developing a cohesive people strategy that supports business stability and sets the foundation for growth.
Key Responsibilities:
- Pan-European HR Alignment: Design and implement a consistent, compliant HR strategy across France, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and UK/Ireland. Ensure transferability of key platforms (onboarding, training, communication, performance, etc.) across all countries.
- Policy & Compliance: Establish and harmonise policies, procedures, and frameworks. Ensure full compliance with local employment laws and group standards, taking into account cultural and legal nuances, including work councils.
- Capabilities Uplift: Assess the maturity of HR teams across the region. Provide mentoring, support, and structured development to uplift HR capability - including those prematurely promoted. Create a clear standard for performance and delivery.
- Strategic Workforce Planning: Build a fit-for-purpose HR structure that meets current and future business needs. Support organisational redesign, talent planning, and succession management across all countries.
- Process Optimisation & Digitalisation: Identify and eliminate manual, inefficient processes. Drive adoption of shared systems and data-led decision making to streamline operations and elevate the employee experience.
- Cultural Integration: Support the development of a shared European culture built around the same values, behaviours, and ways of working. Lead initiatives that support alignment, engagement, and performance across diverse teams.
- Executive Partnership: Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and SLT, contributing to broader business transformation decisions and helping “steady the ship” during a period of intense change.
What We\'re Looking For:
- Proven experience as a senior HR leader with multi-country responsibility across Europe, including strong working knowledge of France, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands, and UK/Ireland.
- Deep understanding of compliance frameworks, cultural dynamics, and the unique challenges of managing works councils, differing employment laws, and varying HR maturity levels.
- Strong track record of leading HR transformation across structure, systems, and culture.
- Commercially minded, with the ability to align HR plans to business objectives and drive measurable results.
- Skilled in mentoring and upskilling teams, with a practical understanding of how to define, communicate, and implement “what good looks like.”
- Experienced in digital HR tools, automation, and leveraging data to drive decision making.
- Comfortable operating without direct reports but with full accountability for regional HR impact.
Salary upto £150k plus benefits.
Please contact Alice Redmond for more information today.
Group HR Director – Europe in Slough employer: MacGregor Black
As a leading global food and beverage manufacturing business, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that values collaboration, innovation, and employee development. Based in Greater London, we offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and unique opportunities for professional growth across diverse European markets. Join us to be part of a transformative journey where your expertise in HR can make a significant impact on our organisational success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group HR Director – Europe in Slough
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at MacGregor Black!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at MacGregor Black.
We think you need these skills to ace Group HR Director – Europe in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at MacGregor Black. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to MacGregor Black and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at MacGregor Black. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to MacGregor Black's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at MacGregor Black
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with MacGregor Black.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at MacGregor Black will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact MacGregor Black and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
