At James Whelan Butchers, we believe in doing things the right way-with craft, care, and integrity at every level of our work. From hand-selecting each cut of meat to planning for the future of our business, we're committed to excellence in everything we do.
We're now looking for a Head of People and Culture to help guide us through our next chapter of thoughtful growth. This is a key role for someone who enjoys structure but thrives in the real world—where people, purpose, and process meet. With a clear head, a kind heart, and a collaborative mindset, you'll help make the complex feel manageable, and the ambitious feel achievable.
Strategic People Leadership
* Collaborate with senior leadership to define and execute HR priorities aligned with business goals, focusing on talent acquisition, workforce planning, and organizational development.
* Lead the HR function as a trusted advisor, ensuring alignment within frameworks while addressing local needs.
* Champion internal mobility and succession planning by working closely with SLT to develop future leaders.
* Manage a team of HR professionals executing recruitment, business partnering and compensation.
Talent Management & Culture
* Design and implement recruitment strategies that attract top talent and support long-term retention.
* Oversee performance management, employee relations, and disciplinary processes with fairness and compliance.
* Foster a culture of inclusion and belonging, supporting employee-led initiatives and diversity programs across the region.
Operational Excellence
* Ensure smooth execution of payroll and benefits administration
* Leverage HR systems to generate insights and support data-driven decision-making.
* Review and enhance HR policies and procedures to reflect best practices and legal compliance.
Governance & Compliance
* Maintain up-to-date knowledge of employment legislation and ensure all HR practices meet regulatory standards, including GDPR.
* Partner with legal teams to interpret employment law and mitigate risk.
* Lead internal audits and risk assessments related to HR operations.
Your Profile
* Degree-qualified with significant HR leadership experience within the FMCG Sector
* Strong understanding of employment law, compensation frameworks, and organizational design.
* Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive change in a complex, matrixed organization.
* Experience managing multi site teams and navigating HR systems and processes.
What Sets You Apart
* Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a collaborative leadership style.
* Demonstrated success in building high-performing teams and delivering impactful people strategies.
* Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret HR data and translate insights into action.