At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR strategy for the European region and Global Design Organization.
- Company: Join SGS & Co, a dynamic brand impact group empowering global brands.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work flexibility and be part of a diverse team across 6 continents.
- Why this job: Drive impactful HR initiatives in a creative environment with global reach and diverse culture.
- Qualifications: 15 years of experience, including 5+ years in global leadership and agency settings.
- Other info: Travel required around 20% for domestic and international engagements.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
SGS & Co is a brand impact group. We are built for agility and inventiveness, to enable our clients to get there first. Fuelled by two connected specialist teams, Marks and SGS, we empower acceleration on a global scale, bringing the world’s biggest brands to life.
We are both a brand design and experience agency & a production powerhouse, built for brands to access top multi-discipline talent. We provide our client-partners with a holistic service operating as an extension of their design, marketing, and supply-chain teams. Our approach combines provocative thinking with optimization programs designed to disrupt and drive results. Culture fuels our everyday work with a diverse group of 5300+ across 6 continents with global expertise in strategy, creative, design, content creation, eComm, production and print management.
Position Summary
In driving the overall people strategy of the European region & Global Design Organization, you will work closely with business leaders to ensure people and organizational readiness, to deliver on demanding business objectives and growth. A big part of your role will be about balancing the complexity of multiple stakeholders, a matrix organization, and a multicultural setup. In order to be successful, this will take structure, ownership, and an open mind as you lead the regional HR team to deliver on human capital initiatives that truly address the business needs. As part of the Global Design Leadership Team, in addition to the HR Leadership Team, you will report directly to the CHRO and indirectly to the President of Marks (our Design business), both members of the SGS & Co. Executive Leadership Team.
Located – Remotely
Essential Responsibilities, Accountabilities & Results:
- Act as Business Partner to the President of Marks, Global Design Team, & European leaders
- Work closely with the Leadership team to define and execute the key People priorities for operations globally
- Define HR priorities and agenda in line with our global People strategy, Global Design and European Growth strategy, in close collaboration with CHRO
- Assume responsibility for employee relations together with business leaders
- Drive operational best practice across all HR functions in Global Design and European processes, and policies, including compliance with key regulations and appropriate risk management
- Partner with HR Centers of Expertise to deploy tools and activities related to Talent Acquisition, HR Operations, and Employee Experience across the European region
- Drive accountability through the HR function within the European region for strategic partnership, excellence in execution, and compliance supporting an environment of strong HR capability and culture
- Establish strong monitoring framework, with regular reporting to the Executive Team against Key Performance Indicators
- Lead and develop the HR Team in Europe, with full responsibility for HR budgets
- Hire, guide and develop regional leadership team in their respective roles
Competency Requirements
- Bachelor's degree and 15 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience, 5+ years of global leadership
- Strong execution and proven track record in delivery including leading through transformation
- Experience working in a creative marketing environment, with Agency experience preferred
- Experience influencing key stakeholders as a change agent in a transforming enterprise
- Managed both Functional and Regional business agendas as well as multiple stakeholders
- Business savvy, HR Professional
- Regional experience across Europe within a similar organization, specific experience in the United Kingdom, Amsterdam, France and Germany preferred
- Experience operating in a global/regional organization with a matrixed environment
- Fluent in English, second language preferred relevant to region
- Leadership HR role in the sizable region, previous HR Strategic, and operational responsibility
- Strong business partnering at VP/Executive level
- Employee relations management experience
- Entrepreneurial, dynamic and 'can do' attitude
- Demonstrates credibility and gravitas with the ability to influence at the executive level
Travel Requirements
Travel is required in this position as frequently as necessary, estimated around 20%, inclusive of domestic and international.
Vice President P&C, EMEA & Design employer: Marks, part of SGS & Co
Contact Detail:
Marks, part of SGS & Co Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Vice President P&C, EMEA & Design
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the unique challenges and opportunities in the creative marketing environment. Understanding the dynamics of agency work and how HR can drive transformation will set you apart as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals who have experience in global HR leadership roles, especially within creative agencies. Engaging with these individuals can provide insights into the expectations and nuances of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your experience in managing diverse teams across multiple regions. Emphasizing your ability to navigate a matrix organization and balance various stakeholder needs will demonstrate your readiness for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've driven HR initiatives that align with business objectives. Being able to showcase your strategic thinking and execution skills will be crucial during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Vice President P&C, EMEA & Design
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Company Culture: Dive deep into SGS & Co's values and culture. Highlight how your experience aligns with their focus on agility, inventiveness, and a diverse work environment in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to emphasize your leadership experience, particularly in HR within creative marketing environments. Showcase your ability to manage multiple stakeholders and drive transformation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly articulates your vision for the role and how you plan to address the people strategy for the European region. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your capabilities.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, make sure to detail your experience in managing employee relations and your success in leading HR teams. Mention any specific achievements that showcase your ability to influence at the executive level.
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks, part of SGS & Co
✨Understand the Company Culture
Before your interview, take some time to research SGS & Co's culture and values. Understanding their approach to creativity and collaboration will help you align your answers with what they value most in their employees.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led teams through transformation. Highlight your experience in managing multiple stakeholders and driving results in a matrix organization.
✨Demonstrate Business Acumen
As a VP, you'll need to show that you understand the business landscape. Be ready to discuss how your HR strategies can support business objectives and drive growth, particularly in a creative marketing environment.
✨Prepare for Behavioral Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to influence and partner with executive leadership. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and provide clear, impactful examples.