UK HR Director

At Ecotone, we are a purpose-driven company with a clear mission to propose an alternative food model that prioritizes organic and plant-based solutions, all with the aim of protecting Biodiversity. We believe that through sustainable practices and ethical decision-making, we can contribute to a healthier planet and a more equitable future. Our commitment to human rights, diversity, and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do, as we work to create a positive impact both in the workplace and in the world around us.

As HR Director for the UK, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our people strategy, driving performance, and building an engaged, high-performing organization aligned with our purpose and growth ambitions.

About the Role

• As a UK Management Team member, reporting into senior leadership, you will act as a strategic HR partner and hands-on leader, overseeing the full HR function across the UK (including International Markets and central teams), while contributing to our rolling 3-year strategic plan.
• This is a high-impact role combining strategy, transformation, and operational excellence.
• The role could be located in Camberley (head office) or Beaminster (Tea factory).
• Reports to the Chief HR Officer (with a dotted line to the UK General Manager) & a team of 4 (2 direct reports).

Key Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership

• Lead the HR function in the UK with full accountability across all HR activities.
• Contribute to Ecotone's 3-year strategic roadmap and business plans.
• Partner with the GM and senior leadership team to drive performance and organizational effectiveness.
• Build a strong talent pipeline, ensuring succession plans for all key roles.
• Lead recruitment strategies and selection processes, including use of Hogan assessments.
• Drive learning & development initiatives, including delivery of the PeACE Leadership Program (MBTI-based).
• Champion individual and team development plans.
• Foster a high-performance culture.
• Lead employee engagement strategies, even in times of transformation.
• Champion Diversity, Equity & Inclusion through programs such as ImIn.
• Develop wellbeing initiatives, including the Flourish program.
• Lead major transformation initiatives including M&A, restructuring, and organizational design.
• Support the UK factory in engagement improvement and cost-saving programs.
• Balance agility with structure-ensuring we remain fast, flexible, and effective.

Reward, Performance & Operations

• Oversee reward and recognition frameworks, ensuring alignment and gender pay equity.
• Own HR budgets including Labour Operating Costs (LOH).
• Contribute to compensation & benefits strategy and external partner negotiations.
• Ensure compliance with UK employment law and health & safety standards.
• Oversee HR systems (SuccessFactors, payroll, LMS, T&A tools).
• Provide expert HR advice across all generalist topics.
• Lead internal and external communication strategies (LinkedIn, thought leadership, newsletters).
• Contribute to sustainability and CSR initiatives (e.g. partnerships with environmental organisations).

What We're Looking For:

• Senior HR leadership experience in a generalist role.
• FMCG experience preferred.
• Strong background in project management and transformation.
• Experience with HR systems (e.g. SAP SuccessFactors) and payroll.
• Exposure to compensation & benefits is a strong advantage.
• Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen.
• Proven ability to influence and challenge senior stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• High attention to detail with the ability to deliver at pace.
• Ability to balance hands-on execution with strategic leadership.
• Curious and business-oriented.
• Outcome-focused and pragmatic (not process-driven).
• Agile, adaptable, and solutions-oriented.
• High integrity and professionalism.
• Collaborative, inspiring, and confident.
• Comfortable operating in a matrix and SME environment.

Education & Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent.
• FCIPD (preferred).

Why Join Ecotone?

• Be part of a purpose-driven company shaping the future of sustainable food.
• Play a key role in delivering ambitious growth and transformation.
• Work in a collaborative, entrepreneurial, and values-led environment.
• Make a real impact on people, culture, and business performance.

If you are a strategic yet hands-on HR leader passionate about making a positive impact on both people and the planet, we invite you to apply and help us build a sustainable, inclusive future.