Human Resources Director, EMEA, Dartford (UK)

The organisation is a global leader in the development, supply and technical support of advanced coating systems, modified release technologies, specialty excipients and functional packaging solutions for the pharmaceutical, nutritional and animal health sectors. Its market leading products are supported by deep formulation expertise, extensive application data and a wide range of value-added services spanning the full lifecycle of solid oral dose design, development and manufacture. Through its sustained focus on industry needs and technology innovation, the company has built an international reputation as a partner of choice across the life sciences sector. This reputation is founded on high product quality, strong technical support, comprehensive regulatory guidance and a reliable global supply network. The business operates from multiple locations worldwide, including a global headquarters in the United States. The organisation has c.2500 employees globally, with c.600 based across the biggest and most complex EMEA region, and a network of 26 technical service laboratories and 18 manufacturing sites across 5 regions, supporting customers worldwide. Its diverse workforce and clearly defined operating principles underpin its culture and values.

The Human Resources Director EMEA leads the region, reporting to the EMEA MD with a functional line to the VP of Global HR. It acts as a strategic and commercial business partner, helping the organisation move into its next phase of maturity and growth while contributing to global HR priorities. The remit spans around 300 employees in the UK, a similar number in France, and smaller teams in Italy, Spain, Germany, Hungary, the Middle East and South Africa. The UK and France serve as key manufacturing and technical hubs within the region. A major focus will be building a brand-new plant in the Netherlands. The role oversees an established HR team structured around two key hubs: an HRD in France and a Senior HR Manager in the UK, with several HRBPs supported by a small payroll and administration function and a dedicated focus on well-being. The position is based in Dartford with approximately 25% international travel (with EMEA and occasionally to US and other regions).

The role requires someone who can challenge and influence senior stakeholders, blend strategic thinking with hands-on delivery and lead change effectively. Experience within pharmaceutical, consumer or manufacturing environments is highly relevant, particularly in innovation-led, market-leading businesses. In addition, exposure to decentralised, mid-sized organisations and EMEA level complexity is essential, with experience in France and direct involvement with works councils especially valuable. You will have strong commercial acumen, communication skills and cultural agility, given the workforce spans highly technical PhD-level specialists through to blue-collar manufacturing employees. Organisational design and change management experience will also be important given the business’s growth in both headcount and revenue. You must be fluent in English and proficiency in an additional language is a plus.

An opportunity to join a market-leading, innovation-driven organisation recognised for product quality and technical excellence. A highly visible regional leadership position with the chance to contribute to the global HR agenda while managing the regional people strategy. The potential to progress into more senior roles within the organisation.

The business is growing in scale and maturity, so some structures and processes will need to be modernised and harmonised, requiring comfort operating in an environment that is still evolving. Although the HR function is well established, capability varies across the region, meaning a practical and developmental approach will sometimes be necessary. The EMEA footprint is diverse, and the role involves regular travel across key hubs.