84 Hr Director jobs in London

Location: London-based with hybrid working (2-3 days a week on-site, with some travel to regional offices)
Salary: Competitive + excellent benefits

We are seeking an experienced and visionary HR leader to play a pivotal role in shaping the people strategy of a growing, multi-site, and internationally expanding organisation. This is an exciting opportunity for a confident, collaborative, and forward-thinking professional to join at a time of transformation, innovation, and growth.

As Director of HR, you will support the Chief Executive and Executive Leadership Team in delivering an ambitious people agenda. You will lead on organisational design, workforce planning, and change management, guiding the organisation through key initiatives such as business transformation, office relocation, and continued international development.

This is a role with both strategic and operational scope - balancing the design and delivery of long-term people strategies with the oversight of day-to-day HR and facilities functions. You will lead a small but highly effective team and ensure policies, practices, and culture reflect the organisation's values and ambitions.

• Drive forward the HR strategy in support of organisational transformation and business priorities

• Lead workforce planning, talent development, succession planning, and performance management

• Champion diversity, inclusion, and engagement across the organisation

• Oversee HR operations including recruitment, reward, learning and development, and compliance with employment law

• Act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders, providing expert insight and challenge

• Lead and develop the HR and facilities teams, embedding a culture of continuous improvement
  
  

We are looking for someone with:

• Substantial senior HR leadership experience in complex, fast-paced organisations

• Strong generalist HR expertise, including employment law, recruitment, L&D, and change management

• Demonstrable experience in organisational transformation and business partnering at executive level

• High emotional intelligence and the ability to balance empathy with pragmatic decision-making

• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage credibly at all levels

• A collaborative, visible, and low-ego leadership style

This role will suit a senior HR professional who thrives on variety and challenge, and who is motivated by the opportunity to make a significant, positive impact during a period of organisational change and growth.

• Develop and implement comprehensive HR strategies and initiatives that support the company's vision, mission, and strategic goals.
• Oversee all HR operations, including talent acquisition, talent management, compensation and benefits, employee relations, HRIS, learning and development, and HR compliance.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing HR team, fostering a collaborative and results-driven environment.
• Partner with the executive team to advise on organisational structure, workforce planning, and change management initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant employment laws and regulations, mitigating risk and promoting fair HR practices.
• Develop and implement robust performance management systems that drive employee engagement and productivity.
• Oversee the design and administration of competitive compensation and benefits programs.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives throughout the organisation.
• Manage complex employee relations issues and provide expert guidance to resolve them effectively.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and employee engagement.
• Utilise HR analytics to provide insights and data-driven recommendations to senior leadership.
• Oversee the HR budget and ensure effective resource allocation.

• A Master's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; CIPD qualification is essential.
• 10+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, with a proven track record of success in developing and implementing HR strategies within complex organisations.
• Deep expertise in all areas of HR, including talent management, employee relations, compensation, and organisational development.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and influencing skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven experience in strategic planning, organisational design, and change management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and provide strategic insights.
• Experience managing HR functions in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

The Role

We are looking for a People leader who can help shape our long-term people vision while driving day-to-day execution. Reporting directly to the CEO and Executive Chairman, you will lead and expand our People team, working closely with the leadership group to design the systems, structures, and culture that enable our people to thrive as we scale from 100 to 250+ employees – and beyond.

This is not just a HR role. It’s a defining opportunity to help build a mission-driven company with the opportunity to grow into a future Chief People Officer position.

What you will do

• Set the People strategy covering organisational design, headcount planning, leadership development, and career growth.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and Executive Chairman, leadership team, and managers on all matters of people, culture, and performance.
• Build and lead the People function, growing the team and capability as we scale.
• Shape culture intentionally, embedding clarity, feedback, learning, and high performance, while ensuring well-being and inclusivity.
• Lead our approach to talent acquisition, ensuring we attract exceptional candidates aligned with our mission and values.
• Oversee compensation, benefits, and our Employee Value Proposition to remain competitive in all our markets.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and best practices across the regions we operate in.
• Use data and insights to drive improvements and measure the impact of People initiatives.

Requirements

About You

Experience

•     15+ years in People/HR roles, with significant experience in a scaling environment (100-250+ employees).

• Proven track record of building and scaling people systems across recruitment, onboarding, performance, compensation and learning & development.
• Skilled in workforce planning, staffing budgets, payroll, and benchmarking.
• Deep knowledge of UK employment law, compliance, and HR best practices (experience across international regions, specifically Ukraine, is a plus).
• Track record in leading People teams and influencing executive decision-making.
• Background in defence, intelligence, or security industries is preferred.

Mindset

• A strategic thinker who thrives on hands-on execution.

• Emotionally intelligent, with excellent listening skills and courage in challenging conversations.
• A systems-thinker who understands how structures and incentives shape culture.
• Steady through change, able to provide clarity in ambiguity.
• An outstanding communicator across executive, manager, and employee audiences.

Why join us?

• Play a defining role in shaping a mission-driven company as we scale.
• Lead and grow a People team that’s deeply valued by the organisation.

Additional Support Requirements

We aim to provide an inclusive recruitment experience where possible. If you require any reasonable adjustments or have additional needs to support you through our recruitment process, please describe (or select) them below. Examples include:

• Accessibility accommodations (e.g., sign language interpretation, screen reader compatibility)
• Alternative interview platforms (e.g., Zoom rather than Microsoft Teams)
• Extended time for assessments or documentation support

Group HR Director – Europe

Do you have the credibility, resilience, and cultural intelligence to align HR strategy and practices across five European countries, each with unique legislation, local dynamics, and varying levels of team capability?

Have you experience designing and embedding scalable HR systems such as talent frameworks, performance management, and compensation structures - across a decentralised, complex organisation?

Do you have the commercial mindset and leadership presence to influence a new senior team, drive organisational change without direct authority, and define what good looks like in a business mid-transformation?

MacGregor Black is partnering with a Global Food and Beverage Manufacturing business, looking for a European HR Director. This is a permanent role based in Greater London, United Kingdom.

As the European HR Director you will be responsible for rebuilding and aligning HR capability across five countries, developing a cohesive people strategy that supports business stability and sets the foundation for growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Pan-European HR Alignment: Design and implement a consistent, compliant HR strategy across France, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and UK/Ireland. Ensure transferability of key platforms (onboarding, training, communication, performance, etc.) across all countries.
• Policy & Compliance: Establish and harmonise policies, procedures, and frameworks. Ensure full compliance with local employment laws and group standards, taking into account cultural and legal nuances, including work councils.
• Capabilities Uplift: Assess the maturity of HR teams across the region. Provide mentoring, support, and structured development to uplift HR capability - including those prematurely promoted. Create a clear standard for performance and delivery.
• Strategic Workforce Planning: Build a fit-for-purpose HR structure that meets current and future business needs. Support organisational redesign, talent planning, and succession management across all countries.
• Process Optimisation & Digitalisation: Identify and eliminate manual, inefficient processes. Drive adoption of shared systems and data-led decision making to streamline operations and elevate the employee experience.
• Cultural Integration: Support the development of a shared European culture built around the same values, behaviours, and ways of working. Lead initiatives that support alignment, engagement, and performance across diverse teams.
• Executive Partnership: Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and SLT, contributing to broader business transformation decisions and helping “steady the ship” during a period of intense change.

What We're Looking For:

• Proven experience as a senior HR leader with multi-country responsibility across Europe, including strong working knowledge of France, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands, and UK/Ireland.
• Deep understanding of compliance frameworks, cultural dynamics, and the unique challenges of managing works councils, differing employment laws, and varying HR maturity levels.
• Strong track record of leading HR transformation across structure, systems, and culture.
• Commercially minded, with the ability to align HR plans to business objectives and drive measurable results.
• Skilled in mentoring and upskilling teams, with a practical understanding of how to define, communicate, and implement “what good looks like.”
• Experienced in digital HR tools, automation, and leveraging data to drive decision making.
• Comfortable operating without direct reports but with full accountability for regional HR impact.

Salary upto £150k plus benefits.

Please contact Alice Redmond for more information today.

At IRIS Software Group , we power mission-critical software that helps over 100,000 organisations worldwide manage their people, payroll, finance, and education with confidence. Our technology underpins how millions of people work every day - and our growth story shows no signs of slowing.

Over the past decade, IRIS has expanded rapidly through product innovation and strategic acquisitions. Today, we are one of the UK’s largest privately-owned software companies and are scaling globally with strong growth across the UK, North America, and India. With more than 10,000 colleagues worldwide , the way we deliver People operations has never been more critical to our success.

We are now looking for a highly experienced Director, HR Operations to lead and transform our HR Operations function across the UK and India. This role is based at our Heathrow Approach office with hybrid working, giving you the flexibility to balance time between home and office while remaining closely connected to our leadership team and colleagues.

Sitting at the heart of our People organisation, this position offers the chance to shape how HR is delivered at scale, directly influence the employee experience of thousands of colleagues globally, and play a pivotal role in IRIS’s next phase of growth.

What You’ll Be Doing

As Director, HR Operations, you will take responsibility for both operational excellence and strategic transformation . You will:

• Lead, inspire, and develop a team of 25-30 HR professionals across the UK and India, creating a culture of high performance and accountability.
• Oversee HR Operations and Payroll functions , ensuring compliance, accuracy, and efficiency across onboarding, promotions, and employee lifecycle management.
• Manage HR compliance globally, embedding robust processes to meet regional and international regulations.
• Design and deliver global benefits and wellbeing programmes , ensuring colleagues feel supported, valued, and motivated.
• Drive performance and accountability by leading the company-wide OKR framework, aligning teams with IRIS’s objectives and growth plans.
• Transform shared services , evolving HR Operations into a scalable, best-in-class function capable of supporting rapid international growth.
• Implement and optimise ticketing systems to ensure efficient handling of HR queries and a seamless colleague experience.
• Champion process improvement and change , using your experience to deliver measurable efficiencies and innovations in HR operations on a global scale.
• Leverage AI and digital HR solutions to automate processes, improve compliance, and elevate service delivery.
• Develop success measures for HR Operations , using data and insights to track progress and continuously improve service quality.
• Play a key role in M&A integration , ensuring smooth onboarding of acquired companies and alignment of HR processes across new locations.
• Collaborate with senior leaders across HR, Finance, IT, and the wider business, embedding HR Operations as a true business partner.
• Support flexibility and work-life balance , ensuring our hybrid model enables colleagues to thrive in and out of work.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking someone who has operated at scale, in complex global environments, and is ready to make a significant impact. You’ll bring:

• Extensive HR Operations leadership experience within a large global organisation (10,000+ employees).
• Proven expertise in HR compliance, payroll oversight, onboarding, and benefits management across multiple geographies.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver HR process improvements - with clear examples of efficiencies, global change projects, and measurable impact.
• Experience with ticketing systems to manage HR casework effectively.
• Proven track record in shared service transformation , creating scalable, high-performing HR Operations functions.
• Strategic and commercial acumen , with the ability to measure success, align HR delivery with business goals, and drive continuous improvement.
• M&A integration experience , successfully embedding HR operations for newly acquired businesses in different locations.
• Tech-savvy and innovative mindset , with practical experience of HRIS, automation, and applying AI to streamline HR processes.
• Strong analytical skills , confident in using HR data and OKRs to improve performance.
• Inspiring leadership , with experience managing large, geographically dispersed teams.

Why Join IRIS?

This is more than an operational leadership role - it’s a chance to help shape the future of a global company on an ambitious growth journey. At IRIS, you will:

• Play a pivotal role in our expansion - IRIS is investing heavily in people, technology, and international growth.
• Have genuine global impact , directly influencing how our IRIS colleagues are supported, engaged, and enabled to perform.
• Lead a transformation journey , reimagining HR Operations to deliver excellence at scale.
• Enjoy hybrid working from our Heathrow Approach office, with flexibility designed to support work-life balance.
• Work with a senior leadership team that values collaboration, innovation, and long-term impact.
• Join a purpose-driven company - our software empowers accountants, educators, and businesses that millions of people rely on every day.

What Can You Expect From Our Application Process?

We know applying for a new role can feel daunting - so we’ve kept our process simple, supportive, and designed to help you shine. Here’s what happens once you hit “apply”:

1️⃣ Apply online

Submit your CV and a few details about yourself. No long forms - just what we need to get started and understand your background.

2️⃣ Initial Interview (plus Online Assessments)

A friendly chat with our Talent team and two short assessments (CCAT + EPP).

• The CCAT is a quick 15-minute timed test - best completed somewhere quiet with a pen and paper.
• The EPP is untimed, giving you space to work through it comfortably.

3️⃣ Informal Interview with our Chief People Officer

4️⃣ Face-to-Face Interview with our Chief People Officer and VP Talent & Organisational Development

5️⃣ Panel Interview (with presentation) with our HR Senior Leadership Team

This role offers the opportunity to lead HR Operations at scale in a fast-growing global business . You’ll be responsible for shaping how our IRIS colleagues worldwide experience HR, from the fundamentals of payroll, compliance, and onboarding through to wellbeing, benefits, and ongoing support.

If you’re an experienced HR leader with the vision, expertise, and ambition to deliver measurable change on a global stage, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Apply today and be part of shaping the future of IRIS.

• Partner with business leaders to understand their strategic goals and translate them into effective HR strategies.
• Lead and execute talent management initiatives, including workforce planning, succession planning, performance management, and career development programs.
• Provide expert guidance and support on complex employee relations issues, ensuring fair and consistent application of HR policies and procedures.
• Develop and implement organizational development strategies to enhance employee engagement, productivity, and retention.
• Collaborate with the HR team to ensure the effective delivery of HR services, including recruitment, compensation, and benefits.
• Advise on change management initiatives, supporting employees and leaders through organizational transitions.
• Analyze HR data and metrics to identify trends, measure effectiveness, and recommend data-driven solutions.
• Promote a positive and inclusive workplace culture aligned with the company's values.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant employment laws and regulations.
• Develop and deliver HR training programs to managers and employees.
• Facilitate talent reviews and development discussions with leadership.
• Act as a change agent, driving continuous improvement in HR processes and practices.

• Extensive experience (7+ years) in HR Business Partnering or a similar strategic HR role, preferably within a corporate environment.
• Proven expertise in talent management, succession planning, performance management, and employee relations.
• Strong understanding of employment law and HR best practices.
• Excellent consultative, coaching, and influencing skills, with the ability to build credibility and trust with all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic HR initiatives that align with business objectives.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems and data analysis.
• CIPD qualified (Level 7) or equivalent is highly desirable.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or a related field.

Location: London

Length: 6 months

PAYE only

Overall purpose of the role

Are you a highly experienced and seasoned Talent Management and Executive Development professional looking to make a significant impact within a leading global organisation? We are seeking two dynamic and driven individuals to join our HR team and play a pivotal role in shaping our talent excellence programme.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a massive change programme, embedding consistency in how we assess, develop and measure the impact of our work on business outcomes, particularly at the Director and MD level. You will be instrumental in the transformation of senior leadership development, focusing on succession planning, leadership development strategies and high-potential programmes that directly align with our commercial objectives.

Key Accountabilities:

• Driving the delivery of accelerator programmes for VP, Director and MD level talent, shaping their design and execution

• Developing and implementing top-of-house succession, talent and leadership development strategies

• Utilising a data-driven approach to understand and measure the impact of programmes on business outcomes

• Managing external consultancies to ensure effective delivery, while also providing expert input and oversight

• Engaging in strategic development, balancing leadership and strategy with practical implementation in a complex business environment

• Coaching executives, leading large-scale presentations and facilitating team effectiveness programmes

• Contributing to the design and delivery of content for senior leadership group events

Key Skills:

• Extensive experience at Senior Manager/Director level from multinational financial services organisations or similar

• Proven experience in large-scale leadership strategy development, ideally across multi-country operations

• A strong track record of measuring the business impact of talent and leadership programmes beyond satisfaction scores (e.g., increased successors, improved retention/engagement, productivity metrics)

• Demonstrated delivery experience, including executive coaching, public speaking to large senior audiences and implementing team effectiveness initiatives

• Experience with 360-degree feedback programmes and leadership conferences

• A strategic mindset coupled with hands-on delivery capability in a complex business setting

About Barclays

Barclays is a British universal bank. It is diversified by business, by different types of customers and clients, and by geography. Barclays businesses include consumer banking and payments operations around the world, as well as a top-tier, full service, global corporate and investment bank, all of which are supported by its service company which provides technology, operations and functional services across the Group.

Values

Everything Barclays does is shaped by its five values of Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Stewardship. The Barclays values inform the foundations of its relationships with customers and clients, but they also shape how Barclays measure and reward the performance of colleagues. Simply put, success is not just about what you achieve, but about how you achieve it.

Diversity

Barclays aims to foster a culture where individuals of all backgrounds feel confident in bringing their whole selves to work, feel included and their talents are nurtured, empowering them to contribute fully to Barclays vision and goals.

Hybrid

At Barclays, we offer a hybrid working experience that blends the positives of working alongside colleagues at our onsite locations, together with working from home. We have a structured approach where colleagues work at an onsite location on fixed, ‘anchor’, days of the week, for a minimum of two days a week or more, as set by the business area (or nearest equivalent if working part-time hours). Please discuss the working pattern requirements for the role you are applying for with the hiring manager. Please note that as we continue to embed our hybrid working environment, we remain in a test and learn phase, which means that working arrangements may be subject to change on reasonable notice to ensure we meet the needs of our business.

Your Benefits

As a contract employee of Randstad Sourceright, you’ll receive a wide range of financial and personal benefits. There’s enrolment in a pension plan (after 12 weeks on assignment) and holiday pay. You’ll also get 24/7 access to an Employee Assistance Programme, designed to help you deal with any problems that could be affecting your home or work life. Plus, there’s discounts at heaps of high street shops, restaurants and entertainment - from Asda to Zizzi Italian restaurants.

Location: London

Length: 6 months

PAYE only

Overall purpose of the role

Are you a highly experienced and seasoned Talent Management and Executive Development professional looking to make a significant impact within a leading global organisation? We are seeking two dynamic and driven individuals to join our HR team and play a pivotal role in shaping our talent excellence programme.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a massive change programme, embedding consistency in how we assess, develop and measure the impact of our work on business outcomes, particularly at the Director and MD level. You will be instrumental in the transformation of senior leadership development, focusing on succession planning, leadership development strategies and high-potential programmes that directly align with our commercial objectives.

Key Accountabilities:

• Driving the delivery of accelerator programmes for VP, Director and MD level talent, shaping their design and execution

• Developing and implementing top-of-house succession, talent and leadership development strategies

• Utilising a data-driven approach to understand and measure the impact of programmes on business outcomes

• Managing external consultancies to ensure effective delivery, while also providing expert input and oversight

• Engaging in strategic development, balancing leadership and strategy with practical implementation in a complex business environment

• Coaching executives, leading large-scale presentations and facilitating team effectiveness programmes

• Contributing to the design and delivery of content for senior leadership group events

Key Skills:

• Extensive experience at Senior Manager/Director level from multinational financial services organisations or similar

• Proven experience in large-scale leadership strategy development, ideally across multi-country operations

• A strong track record of measuring the business impact of talent and leadership programmes beyond satisfaction scores (e.g., increased successors, improved retention/engagement, productivity metrics)

• Demonstrated delivery experience, including executive coaching, public speaking to large senior audiences and implementing team effectiveness initiatives

• Experience with 360-degree feedback programmes and leadership conferences

• A strategic mindset coupled with hands-on delivery capability in a complex business setting

About Barclays

Barclays is a British universal bank. It is diversified by business, by different types of customers and clients, and by geography. Barclays businesses include consumer banking and payments operations around the world, as well as a top-tier, full service, global corporate and investment bank, all of which are supported by its service company which provides technology, operations and functional services across the Group.

Values

Everything Barclays does is shaped by its five values of Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Stewardship. The Barclays values inform the foundations of its relationships with customers and clients, but they also shape how Barclays measure and reward the performance of colleagues. Simply put, success is not just about what you achieve, but about how you achieve it.

Diversity

Barclays aims to foster a culture where individuals of all backgrounds feel confident in bringing their whole selves to work, feel included and their talents are nurtured, empowering them to contribute fully to Barclays vision and goals.

Hybrid

At Barclays, we offer a hybrid working experience that blends the positives of working alongside colleagues at our onsite locations, together with working from home. We have a structured approach where colleagues work at an onsite location on fixed, ‘anchor’, days of the week, for a minimum of two days a week or more, as set by the business area (or nearest equivalent if working part-time hours). Please discuss the working pattern requirements for the role you are applying for with the hiring manager. Please note that as we continue to embed our hybrid working environment, we remain in a test and learn phase, which means that working arrangements may be subject to change on reasonable notice to ensure we meet the needs of our business.

Your Benefits

As a contract employee of Randstad Sourceright, you’ll receive a wide range of financial and personal benefits. There’s enrolment in a pension plan (after 12 weeks on assignment) and holiday pay. You’ll also get 24/7 access to an Employee Assistance Programme, designed to help you deal with any problems that could be affecting your home or work life. Plus, there’s discounts at heaps of high street shops, restaurants and entertainment - from Asda to Zizzi Italian restaurants.