European HR Director

Job Description

A collective energy and ambition. A place where you can make a real difference.

We’re a company that genuinely cares about our people, our products, our consumers and the environment.

Our unique, informal culture champions courage, determination and collaboration. Knowing we have an open and supportive team means each of us has the freedom to take responsibility and ownership. We have a shared passion to work hard, innovate and push boundaries.

United by the belief that when we strive for growth, anything is possible. While we might not be the largest company in our industry, we believe we can have the biggest impact because: Together We Have the Power to Win.

Are you a strategic HR leader with international experience? Do you thrive on driving business transformation through people? Ready to shape the future of HR across Europe in a global FMCG organisation? 

 

If that sounds like you, we have an exciting opportunity for a European HR Director to join our Human Resources leadership team and play a critical role in supporting the continued growth and success of our European business. 

This role reports into the US HR with a  dotted line to the General Manager Europe, they will lead HR strategy and delivery across multiple European markets, partnering with Executive teams to drive business performance, organisational effectiveness, culture and talent. 

As a key member of both the Global and International HR teams, you'll combine strategic leadership with operational excellence, ensuring that our people practices support long-term business growth while creating a high-performing and engaging employee experience. 

This role is hybrid, based 3 days per week on site, predominantly in Folkestone, with travel to France, Germany, and occasional travel to the US.  

 

Key Responsibilities: 

 

• Lead and develop HR teams across Europe, ensuring the delivery of a high-quality HR service. 

• Partner with European and Country Executive Teams to develop and implement people strategies aligned to business objectives. 

• Drive organisational transformation, culture change and employee engagement initiatives. 

• Lead talent, succession planning and development strategies to build future capability. 

• Provide expert guidance on employment legislation, employee relations and HR best practice across multiple countries. 

• Oversee payroll, reward, benefits, performance management and incentive processes. 

• Manage HR budgets, external service providers and key HR projects. 

• Support merger, acquisition and integration activities where required. 

• Build strong relationships with Works Councils and employee representatives. 

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, influencing decision-making and driving organisational effectiveness. 

Education & Experience: 

 

• Significant senior HR leadership experience within an international organisation, ideally FMCG or consumer goods. 

• Proven experience developing and delivering HR strategies that support business growth and transformation. 

• Strong knowledge of employment legislation across multiple European jurisdictions. 

• Experience leading multicultural HR teams across multiple countries. 

• Demonstrated success in talent management, organisational development and culture change programmes. 

• Degree educated with a professional HR qualification (CIPD or equivalent). 

• Ideally a second language 

You'll be a commercially focused HR leader with the credibility to influence at Executive level and the strategic mindset to align people initiatives with business goals. An exceptional communicator and relationship builder, you'll be comfortable leading change, navigating complexity and balancing local market needs with global priorities. You'll bring strong leadership capability, sound judgement, and the ability to challenge constructively while fostering a high-performance culture built on engagement, accountability and continuous improvement. 

This is a unique opportunity to shape the people strategy of a growing international business, working alongside senior leaders across Europe and globally. You'll have the chance to influence business direction, drive meaningful change and lead a talented HR team that makes a real impact every day. 

This role works Monday – Friday; Flexibility is required for global meetings.  

In return we offer a competitive package, including a generous car allowance, a bonus, long-term incentive plan (shares), 24 days annual leave, a pension matched up to 9%, life assurance cover, private medical insurance and membership of a health cash plan. 

Ready to lead the people agenda across Europe? Join us and play a pivotal role in driving culture, developing talent and supporting the growth of a dynamic international organisation. Apply today and help shape the future of our European business. 

For more information on our company, our brands and our culture visit us at http://www.churchdwight.co.uk/

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