As the HR Director for Mainland Europe, you will be instrumental in supporting the EMEA HR Director and wider HR Team to deliver a first-class HR service across the Mainland European region.
This role extends beyond traditional HR responsibilities, requiring you to be a strategic partner to the business, particularly focusing on recruiting top talent, navigating regional HR complexities, and driving initiatives that align with the Company’s growth objectives. You will leverage your expertise to manage and challenge external partners, build and maintain a strong employer brand, and ensure that HR processes are optimised and compliant across different regions.
Additionally, you will be expected to proactively engage with leadership, contribute to strategic discussions, and help solidify the operations of legal entities within the region.
Key Responsibilities
General
- Act as a trusted advisor to business leaders in Mainland Europe, providing expert HR guidance and support.
- Work with the EMEA HR Director, EMEA Senior Leadership Team and and wider HR Team to support and implement HR initiatives across the region.
- Ensure the successful delivery of assigned HR projects and change management efforts to support the business’ growth and ambitions.
- Act as a point of contact for any HR related queries for Mainland European employees.
- Stay up-to-date on HR trends and legislation within the Mainland Europe region to ensure compliance and best practices.
- Provide coaching and support to managers on HR-related matters.
- Drive continuous improvement in HR processes and practices.
- Produce timely HR Reports.
- Carry out ad-hoc project based work for the EMEA region.
HR Operations:
- Navigate and manage HR processes across different regions, understanding local labour markets, cultural nuances, and legal requirements.
- Manage and challenge local third-party payroll providers and legal advisors to ensure they meet the Company's standards.
- Assist in building and solidifying the legal entities' operations and payroll within the region.
- Challenge business assumptions and contribute to strategic discussions with leadership.
Recruitment & Selection
- Manage the end to end recruitment process by defining and sharpening job requirements, ensuring alignment with business needs.
- Source and challenge the right recruitment agencies across different regions to find top talent. An existing network and experience in optimising these partnerships are essential.
- Build and maintain a strong employer brand, ensuring a positive candidate experience throughout the recruitment process and onboarding.
- Manage recruitment and retention across Mainland Europe, working closely with line manafers and hiring managers.
- Draft job adverts, job descriptions, and person specifications; source candidates using appropriate channels.
- Assist line managers to understand and implement the SANS Recruitment & Selection Policy.
- Work closely with third party payrollers to produce offer letters, contracts, and new starter forms.
- Maintain candidate details in line with GDPR.
Employee Relations
- Handle all employee relations matters in the region, including grievance, disciplinary and performance management.
- Liaise with third party payroll companies across the region to ensure employees are properly engaged and remunerated in a timely manner.
- Lead probation review meetings when required and support managers with performance issues during the probation period.
- Conduct exit interviews and regularly review leaver data to identify areas of improvement.
HR Administration
- Ensure all HR systems, trackers, and spreadsheets are maintained and optimised to support strategic decision-making and operational efficiency.
- Oversee the management of equipment orders and recovery for starters and leavers, ensuring the process is seamless and supports a positive employee experience.
- Streamline the collation and communication of monthly payroll data, working closely with third-party payroll providers and Senior HR Manager to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
- Continuously evaluate and enhance administrative processes to improve HR service delivery and support the overall business strategy.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Essential
- CIPD qualification (Level 5 or above) or European equivalent.
- Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Minimum of 10 years HR experience in HR, with proven experience in managing European recruitment & selection and employee relations issues.
- Fluent in English, along with proficiency in at least one other European language, preferably Dutch, French, or German.
- Strong knowledge of HR best practices across Mainland Europe.
- Proven experience in a similar pan-European role.
- Experience working with third-party payroll providers across multiple jurisdictions.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships at all levels.
- Proficiency with MS Excel, MS Word and MS PowerPoint.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- A strong team player with an ability to self-motivate and work independently.
- Proficient in HRIS and other relevant software.
- Ability and willingness to travel across Europe frequently.
Desirable
- Experience of working in a global business.
- Experience with Bamboo HR and Pinpoint.