RSHQ Human Resources Director

Are you a forward‑thinking HR leader who can turn strategy into action and shape the future of our organisation across EMEA?
Canon is looking for an experienced and influential HR Director to lead our EMEA HQ Human Resources function, partnering closely with senior leadership to drive organisational health, employee experience, culture, and people strategy.

In this pivotal role, you will translate EMEA-wide HR plans into impactful, country-level strategies, ensuring our people, culture, and processes enable the business to thrive—today and in the future.

This role with involve travel to the UK on a regular basis.

Strategic Leadership

• Translate EMEA HR strategic and tactical plans into local HR strategies and operational plans.
• Partner with senior leaders to build a healthy organisation and deliver an excellent employee experience.
• Drive culture, engagement, DE&I, and well-being initiatives across the region.
• Play an active leadership role in both the CENV Management Committee and EMEA HR Strategy Team.

People & Organisation Development

Lead and oversee initiatives covering:

• Resourcing & staffing, including strong promotion of our Employee Value Proposition (EVP)
• Compensation & benefits
• Performance management
• Leadership development & people development programmes
• Talent management
• Recruitment & induction processes
• HR policies, processes, and governance to support a changing organisation and ensure full compliance

Team Leadership

• Manage, coach and develop the HR team to build future capabilities and ensure continuous professional growth.
• Lead by example, fostering a high‑performance and collaborative HR culture.

Governance, Compliance & Budget Responsibility

• Oversee HR governance, SOX compliance, audits, and data privacy controls.
• Manage the RSHQ labour budget, headcount planning, and all associated financial governance.
• Ensure effective delivery of HR services through SLAs with shared service centres (Payroll, HR Operations, Benefits, Analytics).

Stakeholder & Works Council Engagement

• Act as HR lead for Works Councils in the Netherlands and Germany, ensuring regulatory compliance and strong collaboration.
• Align closely with Canon Group companies to ensure consistency in policies, benefits, and employment practices.

External Representation

Promote the Canon brand through participation in HR networks, speaking events, forums, and external communities

• Strong knowledge of all HR processes and best practices
• Minimum of 10 years of professional HR experience & minimum of 3 years in an exposed HR Leadership role preferably in a corporate/matrix organisation
• Proven track record for building strong professional relationships and credibility across all levels of the organization 
• Very good understanding and interest in current talent management practices 
• A passion for people development and organizational health
• Track record of successfully facilitating transformation programs 
• Strong facilitation and negotiation skills 
• Strong communication skills, including presentations skills
• Expert knowledge of Dutch labour law and Works Council legislations
• Working knowledge of German labour law and Works Council legislations
• Fluent in English, Dutch and German language skills preferred
• Relevant educational background with university level degree (BA, MA)
• Commercial mindset and an ability to understand the wider business requirements and develop the HR function accordingly 
• Ability to work as part of a broader EMEA HR community
• Working knowledge of Dutch pension systems and legislation. 

Canon Leadership Principles​

• Inspires a shared vision
• Is courageous and has conviction
• Ensures delivery of the outcome
• Understands the customer
• Drives growth and innovation
• Inspires and motivates others
• Collaborates building trust-based relationships
• Develops self, others and the organisation

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