European HR Director

Are you ready to become the trusted HR voice for a multi-billion dollar, FMCG business, right at the heart of its European operation?

I'm working on a HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL search for a European HR Director for a hugely successful global household and personal care group, with well-known brands sold in over 130 markets worldwide.

This is a genuinely rare opportunity. Confidentiality is critical, but here's what I can share.

THE BUSINESS

• Global, multi-billion dollar, and growing fast
• Eight sites across Europe, including the UK, France and Germany
• UK is the largest part of the European operation; Germany is small but growing quickly
• Strong financial performance, an active M&A pipeline, and fresh investment into manufacturing infrastructure
• Entrepreneurial, pragmatic, low hierarchy. People are trusted to own problems, not hand them off

THE ROLE

• European HR Director, covering the full region with broader international interaction
• Reports into the US, working closely day to day with the European General Manager, based in France
• Based in Kent, South East England, close to a UK manufacturing site that runs 24/7 on a four-on-four-off shift pattern, so visibility with factory teams matters
• Leading a broad generalist HR team, an HR Manager, HR Officers, payroll and junior support
• Regular travel to France and Germany, with occasional US trips, manageable for someone with a young family

WHAT AM I LOOKING FOR?

• A commercially minded, credible and hands-on HR leader
• Someone equally comfortable in the boardroom and on the factory floor
• International, multi-site FMCG experience is essential
• Someone who thrives on ambiguity, exercises strong judgement and builds trust fast, this business relies on its HR leadership to just get things done
• An approachable leadership style. The philosophy here is simple: treat people how you'd want to be treated

WHY?

This is a genuinely career-defining opportunity to lead HR for one of the most trusted and highest performing regions within a major global FMCG business, at a moment of real growth and investment.

Given the sensitivity of this search, I'd encourage suitable candidates to reach out directly and discreetly rather than apply publicly. I'm also keen to hear from other outstanding European HR leaders in FMCG, even if the timing isn't right for this specific role.

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We look forward to receiving your application for this exciting new vacancy!

The Advocate Group is a leading recruitment partner, based in the UK, to the FMCG and consumer product sectors. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.

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