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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 has developed a portfolio of brands that are successful in the chilled convenience and frozen meat categories in the UK, Ireland, and selected 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 organization. With exposure to every aspect of HR—from recruitment and employee engagement to learning & development and organizational design—this role offers 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, serving as a trusted advisor to leaders and managers
* Identify emerging workforce trends and develop proactive talent strategies to ensure our business is always prepared for the future
* Encourage leadership to adopt a people-centric approach by offering constructive challenges and insights
* Identify high-risk issues and partner with stakeholders to implement effective, pragmatic solutions
Leadership, Team, and Project Management:
* Inspire, guide, and develop a dynamic team of HR professionals (4 direct reports) to achieve divisional HR goals
* Partner with cross-functional teams to align initiatives with business objectives, implement new HR programs, and improve processes
* Manage HR projects end-to-end, ensuring alignment with business goals and timelines
* Monitor project milestones, manage risks, and promote continuous improvement of HR systems and programs
Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning:
* Work with recruitment teams to develop strategies that attract, nurture, and retain top talent
* Lead workforce planning initiatives to proactively meet business needs and promote internal mobility
* Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion principles in daily practices to foster an inclusive work environment
Employee Development & Performance Management:
* Collaborate with L&D teams to promote employee growth, skill development, and leadership
* Oversee performance management systems to ensure consistent feedback and coaching
* Implement strategies to address skill gaps and enhance organizational effectiveness
Organizational Development & Change Management:
* Develop and execute strategies to improve organizational efficiency
* Lead change management initiatives to support business transformations
* Foster a culture of growth and adaptability, empowering employees to thrive through change
* Manage integration of multi-site teams post-mergers or acquisitions, ensuring cultural harmony
Key Deliverables:
* A people strategy aligned with divisional goals
* Successful implementation of the people strategy
* A robust succession planning framework supported by a performance-driven culture
* Development of a positive Kepak culture
* A high-performing HR team within the division
* Delivery of industry-leading HR KPIs
Requirements:
* Extensive senior-level experience in a people-focused role
* Strong background in leadership development, cultural change, and employee engagement
* Experience delivering strategic and operational HR outcomes
* Ability to lead people strategy during M&A activities
* Excellent knowledge of employment law, HR policies, and practices
This is a hybrid role, working 3 days on-site in Kirkham, with travel as needed within the UK & Ireland.
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Further education support
* Employee discount platform (WrkIt)
* Long service awards
* GroceryAid Employee Assistance Program
* Gym membership
* Subsidized canteen
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