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HR Director

Kepak is one of Europe’s leading food companies with manufacturing sites across Ireland and the UK. Kepak’s vision is to be a successful, sustainable, future ready Food Business with differentiation at its core, that is a great place to work. This vision is underpinned by our values of Responsibility, Ambition, Passion for Food & Teamwork.

Kepak Foods Division have developed a portfolio of brands that are successful in the chilled convenience and frozen meat categories in the UK, Ireland and chosen European markets for both Retail and Foodservice Customers.  We have 2 Manufacturing Sites supported by shared services, with 500 people supporting our vision to become a transformed, future proofed, profitable €0.5bn Food Business by 2030.

Why join us?

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced HR leader to make a real and lasting impact. As HR Director in a fast-growing, family-owned business with ambitious plans for the future, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping our people strategy and influencing the direction of the organisation. With exposure to every aspect of HR – from recruitment and employee engagement to learning & development and organisational design – this role offers both variety and breadth. You’ll work closely with senior leadership, have a genuine voice at the table, and the freedom to build and deliver initiatives that truly make a difference. If you're passionate about creating high-performing, people-focused cultures and want to help steer a business through an exciting phase of growth, we’d love to hear from you.

About the role:

Strategic Business Partnership:

  • Collaborate closely with senior leadership to craft and execute HR strategies and initiatives that align with our business goals and foster growth whilst serving as a trusted advisor to leaders and managers
  • Spot emerging workforce trends and formulate proactive talent strategies to ensure our business is always ready for the future
  • Encourage leadership to embrace a people-centric approach by offering constructive challenges and insights
  • Pinpoint high-risk issues and partner with stakeholders to implement effective, pragmatic solutions

Leadership, team and project management:

  • Inspire, guide, and cultivate a dynamic team of HR professionals (4 direct reports) to successfully achieve divisional HR goals
  • Work in partnership with cross-functional teams to align with business objectives, rolling out fresh HR initiatives and enhancing processes
  • Steer and manage HR projects from start to finish, ensuring they resonate with business objectives and adhere to established timelines
  • Track project milestones, navigate potential risks, and champion the ongoing enhancement of HR programs and systems

Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning:

  • Collaborate with the Recruitment team to craft dynamic talent acquisition stragies that not only attract but also nurture and retain exceptional individuals
  • Initiate workforce planning initiatives that proactively address business requirements while promoting a culture of internal mobility
  • Championing diversity, equity, and inclusion by weaving these principles into our daily practices, aimed at cultivating a more inclusive work environment

Employee Development & Performance Management:

  • Work with the L&D Team to integrate and champion employee growth initiatives that promote skill advancement, career growth, and leadership development throughout the division
  • Manage performance management systems and processes to guarantee that every employee receives consistent feedback and coaching aimed at enhancing their performance
  • Recognize and implement strategies to bridge skill gaps and boost overall organizational effectiveness

Organisational Development & Change Management:

  • Craft and implement organizational development strategies that boost the efficiency and effectiveness of our business.
  • Steer change management initiatives to facilitate seamless transitions during times of business transformation.
  • Foster a culture of growth and adaptability, empowering our workforce to thrive amidst change.
  • Oversee the integration of diverse multi-site teams following merger and acquisition activities, ensuring a harmonious blend of teams and cultures.

Key Deliverables:

  • A People strategy designed to support the delivery of the organisational goals of the Foods Division
  • Successful implementation of the People strategy within the Foods Division
  • A robust succession planning framework underpinned by a strong performance driven culture
  • Continuous development of a positive Kepak culture
  • A high performing HR team within the Foods Division
  • Delivery of HR KPIs that are best in class for our industry
  • Several year experience operating at a senior level in a relevant people focussed role
  • Strong Background in leading management and leadership development activities, supporting cultural change and employee engagement
  • Experience of working at both strategic and operational level to deliver outcomes
  • Ability to operate at a strategic level across the organisation and to lead the people strategy in M&A opportunities
  • Excellent understanding of Employment Law, HR Policy and Practice

This is a Hybrid role, working 3 days on-site in Kirkham, with travel, as and when required in the UK & Ireland.

  • Company Pension
  • Further Education support
  • Employee Discount Platform - All Kepak employees are entitled to access to the WrkIt platform, which offers significant discounts and cashback with hundreds of brands.
  • Long Service Awards - We recognise, acknowledge and award the dedication and valuable contribution of long serving employees
  • GroceryAid Employee Assistance Program - help with a wide range of topics including mental health and wellbeing support, family and relationship advice, debt management, back to work support, and counselling for all Kepak colleagues and their families.
  • Corporate gym membership
  • Subsidised canteen

Average salary estimate

$90000 / YEARLY (est.)
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$80000K
$100000K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About HR Director, Kepak Group

Kepak is on the lookout for a dynamic HR Director to join their team and drive their vision for a sustainable and future-ready food business. As the HR Director, you'll be at the heart of a fast-growing, family-owned company with a mission to make a real impact. With a focus on people strategy, you'll collaborate with the senior leadership team to align HR initiatives with business goals while championing a culture of responsibility, ambition, passion for food, and teamwork. This role offers a fantastic blend of strategic thinking and hands-on management across various HR facets including talent acquisition, employee development, and change management. You will inspire and lead a talented team of HR professionals, guiding them to achieve divisional HR objectives and promote a positive workplace culture. Your efforts in crafting impactful employee development programs and performance management systems will not only enhance skills but also nurture exceptional talent within the organization. If you’re passionate about fostering a high-performing culture and eager to lead a meaningful transformation within a reputable company, this role is perfect for you. Join Kepak and help shape an exciting future where everyone thrives together.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for HR Director Role at Kepak Group
What are the key responsibilities of the HR Director at Kepak?

The HR Director at Kepak plays a crucial role in collaborating with senior leadership to develop and implement HR strategies that align with the company's business goals. The position encompasses a variety of responsibilities such as strategic business partnership, talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational development. The HR Director will manage a team of HR professionals, spearhead HR projects, and ensure a vibrant company culture that encourages employee engagement.

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What qualifications are required for the HR Director position at Kepak?

To qualify for the HR Director role at Kepak, candidates should have several years of experience operating at a senior level in a relevant people-focused role. A strong background in managing leadership development and employee engagement is essential, along with proficiency in employment law and HR policy. The ability to work strategically across the organization, particularly in merger and acquisition processes, is also critical for this role.

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How does Kepak support employee development for the HR Director role?

Kepak places a high emphasis on employee development, especially for the HR Director role. This includes collaborating with the Learning & Development team to implement growth initiatives that enhance skill advancement and promote career trajectories. By managing effective performance management systems, the HR Director will ensure that every employee receives constructive feedback and coaching tailored to improve overall performance.

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What is the work environment like for the HR Director at Kepak?

The HR Director at Kepak will experience a vibrant work environment characterized by teamwork, innovation, and a strong company culture. This hybrid role involves working three days on-site in Kirkham, mixed with the flexibility of remote work. The collaborative atmosphere provides opportunities for meaningful conversations with senior leaders, fostering a supportive setting that encourages bringing strategic HR initiatives to life.

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What types of benefits does Kepak offer for the HR Director position?

Kepak offers a competitive benefits package for the HR Director, including a company pension, support for further education, access to an employee discount platform, and long service awards. Additionally, the role includes a corporate gym membership and an Employee Assistance Program that addresses mental health, relationship advice, and other personal matters, contributing to a well-rounded employee experience.

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Common Interview Questions for HR Director
How would you approach crafting an effective HR strategy at Kepak?

When addressing this question, focus on your understanding of the company's goals and how HR initiatives can align with them. Discuss your method for collaborating with senior leadership, analyzing workforce trends, and developing proactive talent strategies that drive business growth.

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Can you describe your experience with employee development programs?

Answer this question by detailing specific programs you have implemented in the past, emphasizing their results. Highlight your ability to engage employees in their development and discuss how you've tailored programs to meet the needs of various teams within an organization.

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What challenges have you faced in managing HR teams and how did you overcome them?

Provide an example of a specific challenge you've encountered, such as navigating team dynamics or resistance to change. Discuss your leadership approach and the strategies you employed to motivate your team and promote a productive work environment.

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How do you ensure that talent acquisition initiatives are effective?

Discuss the importance of crafting robust recruitment strategies that align with business needs. Share insights on how you've used data analytics or feedback mechanisms to assess the effectiveness of talent acquisition initiatives and adapt them accordingly.

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What is your approach to change management in an organization?

Your answer should highlight your understanding of change management principles. Explain how you involve stakeholders, communicate effectively, and support employees through transitions, ensuring alignment with business objectives.

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How do you foster a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace?

Emphasize your commitment to DEI by discussing initiatives you have led or participated in. Describe how you ensure that diversity and inclusion are woven into company policies, recruitment strategies, and employee engagement practices.

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What metrics do you believe are essential for measuring HR success?

Share specific HR metrics such as employee retention rates, time to fill positions, and employee engagement scores that you believe are crucial for evaluating HR effectiveness. Explain how you use these metrics to inform HR strategies.

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Why do you think company culture is important in a role like the HR Director at Kepak?

Talk about the direct impact of company culture on employee engagement, retention, and overall performance. Share your vision for fostering a positive culture that aligns with Kepak’s values and contributes to the organization’s growth.

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How would you handle a situation where an employee is not meeting performance expectations?

Describe your approach to performance management, which should include regular feedback, setting clear expectations, and engaging in constructive conversations. Stress the importance of identifying underlying issues and providing support for improvement.

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What role does HR play in driving business goals?

In your answer, underscore the strategic importance of HR in aligning human resources with business objectives. Discuss how effective HR practices can create a competitive advantage through talent management and employee engagement.

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Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Clonee, Ireland, Kepak is a manufacturer of consumer meat products for the food industry. The company deals with fresh and slow cooked meats and works with multiple brands.

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DATE POSTED
April 23, 2025

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