At a Glance
- Tasks: Transform the People function and drive talent management in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a leading fresh food manufacturer with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, profit share bonus, car allowance, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Be part of a values-led culture with significant investment in people and capability.
- Why this job: Shape the future of HR and influence business strategy directly with the CEO.
- Qualifications: Senior HR leadership experience in manufacturing or FMCG, with strong commercial acumen.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
What if your next HR leadership role wasn't about maintaining the status quo... but completely transforming it? TalentPool is delighted to be exclusively partnering with a market-leading fresh food manufacturer in the search for a People Director to join the Senior Leadership Team, reporting directly to the CEO. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of the People function within a business that has experienced significant growth and is now entering an exciting new phase of expansion following its acquisition by a global, family-owned food business. Having grown from £150m to £280m in revenue over the past eight years, the business has ambitious plans to reach £600m over the next five years through its "Double Down" growth strategy.
The commercial, operations and supply chain teams are already high-performing. The next priority is transforming the People function into one of the organisation's greatest strengths. This isn't a business looking for someone to simply manage HR. It's looking for someone to redefine it. The CEO is seeking a commercially minded People Director who can build trust across the organisation, elevate the capability of the People team and create a function that is recognised as a genuine strategic partner to the business. You'll have the autonomy, investment and Board backing to make meaningful change.
Key Priorities
- Build a high-performing, strategically focused People function
- Improve engagement and strengthen trust in HR across the business
- Drive talent management, succession planning and leadership capability
- Lead organisation design and workforce planning across multiple manufacturing sites
- Improve retention and colleague engagement
- Accelerate learning and development to support future growth
- Champion the business vision and create a culture where people can thrive.
About You
You'll be an experienced senior HR leader with a track record of delivering transformation within a fast-paced manufacturing or FMCG environment. You'll bring:
- Experience leading HR across multi-site operations
- Strong commercial acumen and the credibility to influence at Board level
- Expertise in organisational design, culture and engagement
- A passion for developing high-performing teams
- The confidence to challenge, influence and lead change
You'll be equally comfortable on the factory floor as you are in the boardroom.
Why Join?
- Report directly to the CEO and influence business strategy
- Join a rapidly growing business backed by a global leader in fresh food
- Lead one of the most significant People transformations in the sector
- Work within a values-led, entrepreneurial culture where you'll have genuine autonomy
- Be part of an ambitious growth journey with significant investment in people and capability
Package
- Competitive base salary
- Profit Share Bonus
- Car Allowance
- Family Private Medical Insurance & Dental
- Competitive Pension
- Life Assurance
- Flexible Wellbeing Benefits
Location: South Coast | Multi-site | 4 days on-site
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Human Resources Director in Crawley
✨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 TalentPool!
✨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 TalentPool.
We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Director in Crawley
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 TalentPool. 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 TalentPool 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 TalentPool. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to TalentPool'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 TalentPool
✨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 TalentPool.
✨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 TalentPool 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 TalentPool and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
