Human Resources Director

Role Overview

This is a confidential HR Director appointment for a long-established construction company operating across multiple regions and delivering complex projects. As the organisation continues to expand its footprint, it is looking for an experienced HR leader to take ownership of the HR function and guide it through the next stage of growth.

The position reports directly to the CPO and includes leadership of a team of three direct reports. The business is seeking someone who can balance strategic thinking with strong operational delivery and who has experience in sectors such as pharma, manufacturing, technology, or construction/engineering.

What the Role Covers

You will be responsible for the full HR operations agenda across the organisation, including performance management, talent planning, reward, employee relations, HR systems, and succession planning. The role also involves close partnership with regional and functional leaders to strengthen culture, improve organisational performance, and ensure HR plays a central role in business delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Shape and execute people strategies that support business priorities, commercial goals, and expansion plans.
• Redesign and advance the HR operating model so it is more contemporary and commercially focused.
• Own the business partnering approach across functions and regions, while coaching leaders on performance, organisational effectiveness, and complex people issues.
• Create and roll out performance development processes, goal-setting structures, and accountability standards across the organisation.
• Direct the annual talent evaluation and succession planning cycle, including identification of future leaders and capability gaps.
• Manage compensation and benefits activities, including the yearly pay review process, to support fairness and market competitiveness.
• Set the employee relations direction and oversee complex ER matters across all geographies.
• Continue the rollout and improvement of HRIS tools and people analytics to support better decision-making.
• Lead, coach, and develop the HRBP and HR Operations team.
• Contribute to change programmes and culture-building efforts as the organisation scales.

Experience and Profile

The ideal candidate will bring substantial senior-level HR leadership experience gained in a complex, multi-region business. You should have demonstrated success in building and implementing modern people frameworks across business partnering, performance management, and organisational development.

Experience managing HR Business Partners across several regions or business units is important, along with deep expertise in compensation and benefits and ownership of annual reward cycles. Strong commercial awareness, credibility with stakeholders, and the ability to move comfortably between strategic and hands-on work are essential.

Discretion, sound judgment, and a collaborative leadership style that is also strongly results-driven are key characteristics for this appointment.

Additional Information

This is an exclusive assignment. Interested candidates are invited to discuss the opportunity with Sarah Kelly, Partner, The Panel.