Michael Page is delighted to be partnering with a highly respected, multi-site international FMCG organisation to appoint a People Director, reporting to the CPO. This is a pivotal, senior leadership role with enterprise-wide impact, offering the opportunity to shape and deliver a progressive people strategy during a period of significant transformation.
This is not a ’steady-state’ role. It is a mandate to lead, influence and evolve.
Client Details
Our customer is a highly commercial multi-site international FMCG business with a passion for innovation, customer-centricity and talent development.
Description
Reporting to the CPO, and partnering the regional MD, the People Director will lead a sizeable, multi-disciplinary HR function and act as a true strategic partner to the business. You will play a central role in driving organisational performance, capability and culture across a complex, international footprint.


The organisation is undergoing a sustained period of change, including:
*Implementation of a new HRIS platform
*Ongoing M&A activity and divestments
*Driving operational efficiencies and cost optimisation
*Designing and embedding a new People Target Operating Model
*Developing career architecture and progression pathways
*Evolving reward frameworks and propositions
*Elevating management and leadership capability




This role offers the scope to shape the future of the people agenda in a business where HR is seen as a critical lever for success.


Key Responsibilities:
*Lead and develop a high-performing HR function across all Centres of Excellence, including Reward, Talent, L&D, ER, and People Operations
*Define and execute a forward-looking people strategy aligned to business transformation goals
*Act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, influencing decision-making at Executive and Board level
*Drive organisational design, workforce planning and capability development across a multi-site, international environment
*Lead complex change and transformation programmes, ensuring engagement, pace and delivery
*Oversee and evolve employee relations strategy, including engagement with Trade Unions and European Works Councils
*Embed a modern, scalable People Operating Model that supports growth, efficiency and consistency
*Champion inclusive leadership and ensure a culture that enables performance, accountability and progression
This role is based in Manchester 2 to 3 days per week, and will require monthly international travel.
Profile
This role requires a commercially astute, credible and highly experienced HR leader who thrives in complexity and change.


You will bring:
*Proven experience leading a full-service HR function, spanning all Centres of Excellence
*A track record of operating at strategic leadership level within a large, multi-site and international environment
*Deep expertise in Trade Union engagement and negotiation, alongside experience working with European Works Councils
*Demonstrated success delivering large-scale transformation programmes (e.g. HRIS, TOM design, M&A integration/separation, efficiency drives)
*Strong organisational design and change leadership capability
*The ability to balance strategic vision with operational execution
*Gravitas, resilience and the ability to influence at the most senior levels
*A leadership style that builds high-performing, engaged and accountable teams


This is a rare opportunity to step into a role with genuine breadth, complexity and impact. You will be part of a leadership team shaping the future of a well-established yet evolving international business.


For an ambitious People Director, this offers:
*A platform to lead transformation at scale
*The ability to shape and modernise the entire people agenda
*Exposure to complex, high-value business change
*The opportunity to build and leave a lasting legacy
Job Offer
This role pays up to £100,000 to £130,000 per annum (dependant on experience), inclusive of a car allowance, performance related bonus and a suite of benefits.