HR Director

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.

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

• Several year experience operating at a senior level in a relevant people focussed role
• Strong Background in leading management and leadership development activities, supporting cultural change and employee engagement
• Experience of working at both strategic and operational level to deliver outcomes
• Ability to operate at a strategic level across the organisation and to lead the people strategy in M&A opportunities
• Excellent understanding of Employment Law, HR Policy and Practice

This is a Hybrid role, working 3 days on-site in Kirkham, with travel, as and when required in the UK & Ireland.

• Company Pension
• Further Education support
• Employee Discount Platform - All Kepak employees are entitled to access to the WrkIt platform, which offers significant discounts and cashback with hundreds of brands.
• Long Service Awards - We recognise, acknowledge and award the dedication and valuable contribution of long serving employees
• GroceryAid Employee Assistance Program - help with a wide range of topics including mental health and wellbeing support, family and relationship advice, debt management, back to work support, and counselling for all Kepak colleagues and their families.
• Corporate gym membership
• Subsidised canteen