At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR strategy for manufacturing, driving engagement and transformation across multiple locations.
- Company: Join Pernod Ricard, a global leader in the whisky industry with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a vibrant international community.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and impactful leadership.
- Why this job: Shape the future of iconic brands while fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Senior HR leadership experience, strong industrial relations background, and change management skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Location: Kilmalid, Glasgow, Scotland (with travel to London & occasional international travel)
Reporting line: VP of HR, Gold Brand Unit (London based)
Team leads: 4 direct reports, 11 indirect reports
Contract type: Permanent
About the role
We are now seeking an HR Director to lead the HR team of the Integrated Operations within the Scotch Whisky business of Pernod Ricard and coordinate the HR of Manufacturing across the Gold Brand Unit. This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in shaping the people agenda for one of Scotland’s most iconic whisky makers, while collaborating with colleagues across the UK, Ireland, France, and North America. Reporting to the VP of HR (Gold Brand Unit / UK) you will operate as a senior leader within the Gold Brand Unit and a trusted partner to the VP Manufacturing and our Senior Leaders who oversee our Operations functions across Scotland, Ireland, France, and the US.
What you will do
- Develop and lead the workforce strategy for UK & Ireland manufacturing, ensuring long‑term organisational capability, talent planning and succession aligned to Gold Brand Unit and Global HR priorities.
- Translate business ambitions into a clear, pragmatic HR Operations Roadmap, balancing performance, engagement, compliance, and sustainability.
- Act as senior HR business partner to the VP Manufacturing & team, consolidating Gold Brand Unit Operations insights and aligning HR activity across multiple geographies.
- Lead large‑scale change and transformation programmes, turning strategic intent into actionable project plans with measurable impact.
- Strengthen employee engagement and experience through visible leadership and close partnership with site leaders and teams.
- Own industrial and employee relations, building strong, fair, and future‑focused partnerships with trade unions.
- Ensure excellence in day‑to‑day HR operations across Scotland, embedding best practice and full legislative compliance.
- Lead, inspire and develop and direct the HR Manufacturing team in Chivas Brothers, while collaborating effectively across the wider Pernod Ricard HR community and Pernod Ricard Centres of Excellence in Talent Development & Acquisition, Reward and HR Shared Services.
- Work closely with internal partners across Operations, Communications, Finance and HR.
- Manage external relationships including legal counsel, HR service providers, unions, and professional forums.
Your skills and background
- You are a senior, commercially minded HR leader with a deep understanding of operational environments and a passion for creating workplaces where people and performance thrive.
- Proven experience operating at HR Director or equivalent senior leadership level, leading sizeable HR teams within complex organisations.
- Strong track record in industrial relations, with credibility in unionised manufacturing environments.
- Demonstrated capability in change management and transformation, aligning people strategies with evolving business needs.
- An inspiring people leader, known for building trust, fostering development, and nurturing future HR talent.
- Expert knowledge of UK employment legislation and contemporary HR best practice.
- Comfortable working across manufacturing, distillation, bottling and office based environments, with a practical, hands‑on leadership style.
Why join us?
- Collective Spirit: You will be part of a connected, international community shaped by iconic brands, a performance mindset, and a proud legacy, where collaboration, fun and ambition coexist.
- Craft your path: We empower you to own your career, innovate boldly and grow alongside our business, surrounded by leaders who value curiosity, energy, and impact.
- Cultivate the future: You’ll help shape a business with a soul — one that cherishes the land, respects communities, and brings good times from a good place, responsibly and sustainably.
- Inclusivity: People are at the heart of everything we do at Pernod Ricard and are the foundation of our collective spirit as ‘Créateurs de Convivialité’. We promote inclusion throughout our business and supply chain. In our teams, we proactively foster a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture, an environment where we can truly be ourselves.
EEO Statement
We will assess your application for this role based on your skills, experiences, and achievements, not your gender, age, ethnic or educational background or any other such factors. Our recruiting team are more than happy to provide reasonable adjustments during our application and interview process, in order for you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.
HR Director - Integrated Operations in Dumbarton employer: The Glenturret Distillery
Pernod Ricard is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. As an HR Director in Kilmalid, Glasgow, you will have the opportunity to shape the people agenda for one of Scotland's most iconic whisky brands while enjoying a supportive environment that fosters personal and professional growth. With a commitment to sustainability and community respect, you'll be part of a team that not only drives performance but also cherishes its heritage and future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Director - Integrated Operations in Dumbarton
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at Pernod Ricard. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interview by researching the company culture and values. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission and be ready to share specific examples of your leadership style and achievements. Confidence is key!
✨Showcase Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through. Talk about why you’re excited about shaping the HR landscape at Pernod Ricard and how you can contribute to their iconic brand.
✨Follow Up
After your interview, don’t forget to send a thank-you note! It’s a simple way to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the position. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Director - Integrated Operations in Dumbarton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the HR Director role. Highlight your experience in leading HR teams and managing change, as well as your knowledge of UK employment legislation. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our mission at Pernod Ricard. Be sure to mention any relevant experience in industrial relations and team leadership.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:We’re looking for an inspiring leader! In your application, share examples of how you've built trust and fostered development within your teams. Let us know how you’ve successfully managed large-scale change and transformation in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our community at Pernod Ricard!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Glenturret Distillery
✨Know Your HR Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK employment legislation and contemporary HR best practices. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just a candidate, but a potential leader who understands the complexities of the role.
✨Showcase Your Change Management Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led change management initiatives in the past. This role requires someone who can turn strategic intent into actionable plans, so be ready to demonstrate your experience in aligning people strategies with business needs.
✨Engagement is Key
Think about ways you've strengthened employee engagement in previous roles. Be prepared to share your approach to visible leadership and how you've partnered with site leaders to enhance the employee experience. This will resonate well with their focus on cultivating a positive workplace culture.
✨Build Trust and Credibility
As an inspiring people leader, it's crucial to convey how you've built trust and fostered development within your teams. Share stories that highlight your ability to nurture future HR talent and create strong partnerships, especially in unionised environments.
