Kepak is one of Europe’s leading food companies with manufacturing sites across Ireland and the UK. Kepak’s vision is to be a successful, sustainable, future ready Food Business with differentiation at its core, that is a great place to work. This vision is underpinned by our values of Responsibility, Ambition, Passion for Food & Teamwork.
Kepak Foods Division have developed a portfolio of brands that are successful in the chilled convenience and frozen meat categories in the UK, Ireland and chosen European markets for both Retail and Foodservice Customers. We have 2 Manufacturing Sites supported by shared services, with 500 people supporting our vision to become a transformed, future proofed, profitable €0.5bn Food Business by 2030.
HR Director - Kirkham (Hybrid)
Why join us?
This is a unique opportunity for an experienced HR leader to make a real and lasting impact. As HR Director in a fast-growing, family-owned business with ambitious plans for the future, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping our people strategy and influencing the direction of the organisation. With exposure to every aspect of HR – from recruitment and employee engagement to learning & development and organisational design – this role offers both variety and breadth. You’ll work closely with senior leadership, have a genuine voice at the table, and the freedom to build and deliver initiatives that truly make a difference. If you're passionate about creating high-performing, people-focused cultures and want to help steer a business through an exciting phase of growth, we’d love to hear from you.
About the role:
Strategic Business Partnership:
- Collaborate closely with senior leadership to craft and execute HR strategies and initiatives that align with our business goals and foster growth whilst serving as a trusted advisor to leaders and managers
- Spot emerging workforce trends and formulate proactive talent strategies to ensure our business is always ready for the future
- Encourage leadership to embrace a people-centric approach by offering constructive challenges and insights
- Pinpoint high-risk issues and partner with stakeholders to implement effective, pragmatic solutions
Leadership, team and project management:
- Inspire, guide, and cultivate a dynamic team of HR professionals (4 direct reports) to successfully achieve divisional HR goals
- Work in partnership with cross-functional teams to align with business objectives, rolling out fresh HR initiatives and enhancing processes
- Steer and manage HR projects from start to finish, ensuring they resonate with business objectives and adhere to established timelines
- Track project milestones, navigate potential risks, and champion the ongoing enhancement of HR programs and systems
Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning:
- Collaborate with the Recruitment team to craft dynamic talent acquisition stragies that not only attract but also nurture and retain exceptional individuals
- Initiate workforce planning initiatives that proactively address business requirements while promoting a culture of internal mobility
- Championing diversity, equity, and inclusion by weaving these principles into our daily practices, aimed at cultivating a more inclusive work environment
Employee Development & Performance Management:
- Work with the L&D Team to integrate and champion employee growth initiatives that promote skill advancement, career growth, and leadership development throughout the division
- Manage performance management systems and processes to guarantee that every employee receives consistent feedback and coaching aimed at enhancing their performance
- Recognize and implement strategies to bridge skill gaps and boost overall organizational effectiveness
Organisational Development & Change Management:
- Craft and implement organizational development strategies that boost the efficiency and effectiveness of our business.
- Steer change management initiatives to facilitate seamless transitions during times of business transformation.
- Foster a culture of growth and adaptability, empowering our workforce to thrive amidst change.
- Oversee the integration of diverse multi-site teams following merger and acquisition activities, ensuring a harmonious blend of teams and cultures.
Key Deliverables:
- A People strategy designed to support the delivery of the organisational goals of the Foods Division
- Successful implementation of the People strategy within the Foods Division
- A robust succession planning framework underpinned by a strong performance driven culture
- Continuous development of a positive Kepak culture
- A high performing HR team within the Foods Division
- Delivery of HR KPIs that are best in class for our industry