Director of Human Resources EMEA

This is a rare and compelling opportunity to take ownership of the entire HR function across a globally recognised lifestyle and apparel brand's EMEA operations. Reporting directly to the Chief Human Resources Officer, you will be the most senior HR voice in the region, covering three key hubs: West London, Essex, and Amsterdam.

This is not a purely strategic role - nor is it purely operational. It demands both. You will shape the people agenda from the boardroom and deliver it on the ground, navigating the nuances of UK and Dutch employment law, building high-performing teams, and embedding a culture that is inclusive, energised, and ready for growth.

The brand behind this role is a household name in lifestyle fashion - with a portfolio that spans apparel, fragrance, footwear, and accessories - sold and recognised across global markets. Their EMEA operation is at an exciting point of evolution, and the right person will play a central role in shaping what it becomes.

What You'll Be Responsible For:

• Strategic HR Leadership
  • Partner with the London-based Managing Director and US senior leadership team to align the people strategy with global business priorities.
  • Lead organisational design initiatives that drive efficiency and cross-border collaboration between UK and Netherlands teams.
  • Act as a trusted coach and advisor to regional directors and department heads on leadership, culture, and talent.
• Talent Acquisition & Performance
  • Oversee recruitment strategy to attract top-tier talent across fashion, retail, and corporate functions in competitive European markets.
  • Implement and embed performance management frameworks that foster high performance, continuous feedback, and accountability.
  • Lead succession planning and talent reviews to build a robust internal leadership pipeline.
• Employee Relations, Culture & Legal
  • Serve as the primary escalation point for complex ER matters, ensuring resolutions are fair, consistent, and legally compliant.
  • Design and deliver engagement initiatives tailored to both corporate office environments and operational/logistics hubs.
  • Manage relationships with external employment lawyers across the UK and Netherlands, providing expert internal liaison on disputes, restructuring, and regulatory changes.
• Compensation, Benefits & Payroll
  • Take end-to-end accountability for regional payroll co-ordination across all three EMEA sites, partnering with finance and external payroll vendors.
  • Ensure compliance with UK and Dutch employment legislation - including Works Councils and CAO regulations.
  • Partner with Global Total Rewards to ensure compensation and benefits packages remain competitive in each market.
• Facilities & Office Operations
  • Oversee EMEA facilities and property operations, managing relationships with landlords, vendors, and health & safety inspectors.
  • Lead office space planning, lease renewals, and workplace safety protocols in accordance with local regulations.

What We're Looking For:

The successful candidate will bring a rare combination of commercial credibility, genuine people instinct, and multi-jurisdictional expertise. Specifically, we are seeking:

• A minimum of 8-10 years' progressive HR experience, with at least 3-5 years in a senior leadership or Director-level role.
• Demonstrable multi-site and cross-border experience, specifically across the UK and the Netherlands.
• Deep knowledge of UK employment law and solid working knowledge of Dutch labour law, including Works Council navigation.
• A background in apparel, retail, wholesale, or consumer goods is highly desirable.
• Proven experience managing payroll operations and vendor relationships across multiple jurisdictions.
• Experience collaborating with external legal counsel on complex European employment matters.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills - comfortable operating at executive level and influencing across cultural and geographic boundaries.
• CIPD Level 7 qualification (or equivalent); Bachelor's degree in HR or Business Administration - Master's preferred.
• Fluency in English is essential; Dutch language skills are a distinct advantage.

What's on Offer:

• Competitive executive salary and performance-based bonus scheme.
• Comprehensive benefits package including private medical insurance, life assurance, and contributory pension.
• Employee discounts across an extensive portfolio of globally recognised brands.
• A dynamic, international working environment within a creative and collaborative business.
• Real influence - this is a seat at the table, not an advisory function.

How to Apply:

All applications and enquiries are handled with the strictest confidence - your details will never be shared with any third party without your explicit consent, and we will always speak with you before approaching a client on your behalf.