Human Resources Director – Employee Relations (Global RDFT Lead) in London

We are currently seeking an interim HR Director – Employee Relations (Global RDFT Lead), to work with our global FMCG client Unilever, renowned for brands such as Dove, Sure, Persil, and Simple, to become an integral part of their fast-paced FMCG environment. The position is based at Blackfriars on London's Victoria Embankment, just a short walk from Blackfriars tube. This is a full-time temporary role for 12 months, requiring 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Compensation for this role is competitive, paying between £120,000 and £170,000 per annum, pro rata, depending upon experience. The role currently offers a mix of remote and onsite working, subject to adjustment based on business requirements.

Unilever maintains long-standing values related to respecting people, fosters a working environment that is fair and safe, and cultivates a culture of integrity. The RDFT (Respect, Dignity and Fair Treatment) Lead plays a key role in supporting these values in overseeing the company process for managing workplace concerns related to the RDFT incidents under Unilever's Code of Business Principles. This role will work in close collaboration with the Legal team to ensure that concerns are triaged appropriately and resolved efficiently and effectively. The Global RDFT Lead will also be responsible for identifying key workplace trends and work with key leaders and stakeholders to implement remedial actions, process improvements and lessons learned across the entire organization. This role will also be responsible for continued upskilling and education for the individuals handling such concerns, in addition to raising awareness of the RDFT programme within the business. This role will also be responsible for building a network within the business to support in addressing concerns and implementing remedial efforts.

Responsibilities:

• Provide expertise on the ethics and compliance aspects of the Respect, Dignity & Fair Treatment Code ("RDFT") policy.
• Design procedures and solutions for the effective and efficient handling of matters related to workplace concerns.
• A member of the Business Integrity committee, that ensures that workplace matters are triaged to the appropriate internal team for efficient and effective handling.
• Provide support and guidance to both HR and Business Integrity members handling workplace investigations including process, planning, investigation, sanctions, and accurate system tracking.
• Drive continuous improvement and maintenance of company values, supporting the business to implement remedial actions, process improvements and lessons learned as they relate to workplace matters.
• Support the development of both Business Integrity and Human Resources teams in creating and delivering relevant capability programmes.
• Build and oversee a global network of local leaders who will support in addressing employee concerns and furthering the various programs and initiatives of the Business Integrity and Human Resource functions.
• Provide information and guidance on Unilever policies, procedures, resources and different processes to raise concerns, and explain the options and possible outcomes of different courses of action.
• Identify systemic or recurring issues and trends and provide feedback and recommendations to senior management and relevant stakeholders.
• Create and maintain a robust tracking system that keeps records and statistics of all RDFT investigations and prepare periodic executive and board-quality reports on the activities and outcomes of the RDFT programme.
• This role will also ensure all requirements for data reporting externally are met promptly and consistently globally.
• Develop close connections across key stakeholders such as Inclusion and Employment Legal teams at global and local levels.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• A minimum of 15+ years of experience in HR and Employment Law, managing conflict resolution, mediation, social accountability, business integrity, and human resources ER matters, preferably in a corporate setting in large FMCG global organisations. Ideally being qualified in employment law will also be an advantage.
• Excellent communication, listening, and interpersonal skills, and the ability to deal with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, a solution-oriented mindset, and the ability to handle complex and sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy.
• High ethical standards, integrity, and professionalism, and the ability to maintain confidentiality and neutrality.
• Previous experience in similar roles establishing processes, governance and designing and implementing appropriate capability interventions.

Blackfriars working environment:

• Iconic location on the Victoria embankment, modern working environment.
• Short walk from Blackfriars station.
• Staff shop discounted products.
• Free tea & coffee facilities.
• Onsite Deli and a restaurant open for breakfast and lunch.
• Gym is available for use subscription required.

Seniority level: Director

Employment type: Temporary

Job function: Human Resources and Legal

Industries: Manufacturing