Human Resources Business Partner Senior Director, NECAD in London

Human Resources Business Partner Senior Director, NECAD in London

London Full-Time 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Vertex Pharmaceuticals

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead strategic HR initiatives across Northern Europe, Canada, and Australia/New Zealand.
  • Company: Join Vertex, a global biotech leader committed to innovation and inclusion.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work options, competitive salary, and professional growth opportunities.
  • Other info: Be part of a dynamic team fostering a culture of change and continuous improvement.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping HR strategies that drive business success.
  • Qualifications: Extensive HR experience with strong leadership and strategic planning skills required.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.

General Summary

The Human Resources Business Partner Senior Director (HRBP SD) provides strategic HR leadership and consultation for the NECAD region, covering Northern Europe (UK, Ireland and Nordics), Canada, Australia/New Zealand and distributor markets across more than 40 countries.

As a key advisor to the RVP NECAD and regional leadership team, the HRBP SD translates business strategy into people priorities, delivering expert guidance, advanced HR solutions and hands‑on execution across talent, organisation effectiveness, employee relations, total rewards, talent acquisition and performance management.

This role drives talent management, strategic workforce planning and organisational change, ensuring current and future business objectives are fully integrated into HR strategies that build capability, enable growth and foster a culture where change, inclusion and continuous improvement are expected and valued.

Job Description

General Summary

The Human Resources Business Partner Senior Director (HRBP SD) provides strategic HR leadership and consultation for the NECAD region, covering Northern Europe (UK, Ireland and Nordics), Canada, Australia/New Zealand and distributor markets across more than 40 countries.

As a key advisor to the RVP NECAD and regional leadership team, the HRBP SD translates business strategy into people priorities, delivering expert guidance, advanced HR solutions and hands‑on execution across talent, organisation effectiveness, employee relations, total rewards, talent acquisition and performance management.

This role drives talent management, strategic workforce planning and organisational change, ensuring current and future business objectives are fully integrated into HR strategies that build capability, enable growth and foster a culture where change, inclusion and continuous improvement are expected and valued.

  • Key Duties And Responsibilities
  • Provide strategic HR leadership for the NECAD region and act as an integrated business partner to the RVP NECAD, regional leadership team and assigned client groups, ensuring people priorities directly support business plans and growth objectives.
  • Translate business strategy into value-added HR strategies, workforce plans and solutions, including long-term capability planning, talent acquisition priorities, succession planning and organisational effectiveness initiatives.
  • Leverage complex data and analytics to identify business and talent trends, provide clear and actionable insights, challenge current thinking and influence leaders to make decisions that improve business outcomes.
  • Advise senior leaders on organisation design, development and change leadership, helping to architect and manage significant organisational change initiatives across a complex, multi-country region.
  • Drive talent management, succession planning, career development and leadership capability building to ensure the business attracts, develops and retains high-quality, diverse talent at all levels.
  • Partner closely with HR Centres of Excellence, including Total Rewards, Talent Acquisition, Talent Management, People Experience, Employee Services, Culture and Strategic Analytics, to deliver globally aligned and locally relevant HR programmes and solutions.
  • Lead and support core HR processes for the region, including year-end performance management, calibration, compensation planning, rewards and recognition, benefits implementation and local HR programme deployment.
  • Provide expert employee relations guidance, ensuring compliance with company practices and applicable country laws; investigate employee matters, recommend appropriate action and partner with internal and external legal counsel on complex employment issues.
  • Coach leaders and managers on performance, engagement, organisational change and employee matters, building leadership effectiveness and enabling timely, balanced decision‑making.
  • Contribute to regional or enterprise HR and business projects, programmes and initiatives as required.
  • Knowledge And Skills
  • Expert experience developing and implementing HR strategies with broad regional or corporate-wide impact.
  • Significant international HR experience, ideally across multiple countries and complex commercial or matrixed environments.
  • Expert‑level capability in strategic workforce planning, organisation design, organisational effectiveness and change management, from conception through implementation.
  • Significant expertise in talent management, succession planning, career growth and leadership development.
  • Strong business acumen and the ability to use data, analytics and external insights to influence priorities, challenge assumptions and improve business outcomes.
  • Excellent relationship‑building, influencing, negotiation, problem‑solving, communication and coaching skills, with the ability to work effectively with leaders, managers and employees at all levels.
  • Strong knowledge of employee relations principles, employment practices and country‑level compliance considerations; experience partnering with legal counsel on complex employment matters.
  • Demonstrated ability to build inclusive environments where diverse perspectives are encouraged, heard and represented in decision‑making.
  • Ability to foster innovation, continuous improvement and effective use of technology to optimise performance and challenge the status quo.
  • Self‑motivated and comfortable operating with minimal direction; able and willing to travel across Vertex offices in the region as required.

Education And Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in human resources or a related, relevant discipline required; MBA or other advanced degree desirable.
  • Typically requires significant, progressive Human Resources experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience, including significant HR business partner experience supporting senior leaders in complex, multi-country or regional environments.
  • Flex Designation
  • Hybrid-Eligible Or On-Site Eligible
  • Flex Eligibility Status

In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as

  • Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select
  • On-Site: work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.

Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.

Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law.

Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States.

Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at

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Human Resources Business Partner Senior Director, NECAD in London employer: Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a flexible hybrid working model, our team enjoys a supportive work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation, while also providing ample opportunities for career advancement in the dynamic field of tax compliance.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Contact Details:

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Human Resources Business Partner Senior Director, NECAD in London

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!

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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 Vertex Pharmaceuticals!

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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 Vertex Pharmaceuticals.

We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Business Partner Senior Director, NECAD in London

Strategic HR Leadership
Talent Management
Organisational Change Management
Workforce Planning
Data Analytics
Employee Relations
Coaching Skills

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 Vertex Pharmaceuticals. 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 Vertex Pharmaceuticals 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 Vertex Pharmaceuticals. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Vertex Pharmaceuticals'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 Vertex Pharmaceuticals

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 Vertex Pharmaceuticals.

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 Vertex Pharmaceuticals 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 Vertex Pharmaceuticals and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.