Head of HR France

Head of HR France

Croda is a FTSE100 organisation where we truly believe our people are our difference and this, along with our values of Innovative, Responsible and Together, create our purpose; 'Smart Science to Improve Lives'. With over 6,000 employees globally, we specialise in the research and development of innovative ingredients for the Life Science and Consumer Care markets. We are looking for an experienced Head of HR to join our team in Paris, responsible for France with circa 700 employees across six locations.

Reporting to the Regional HR Director, and working as part of the EMEA HR Leadership Team, you will be responsible for leading the HR organisation for France and managing a high performing HR team to deliver a clear and robust HR strategy aligned with regional and group objectives.

Who We're Looking For:

At Croda, we believe our people are the heart of our success. We are committed to fostering an environment where you can grow, make a meaningful impact, and thrive.

• Experience in a Head of HR role, ideally within a manufacturing organisation, of a similar size or complexity
• Purpose led with a high level of authenticity and empathy to build strong relationships internally, and the ability to challenge and influence constructively
• Experience of managing, coaching and developing a team of HR professionals across multiple locations
• Thorough knowledge of HR best practices, French employee relations and compliance regulations
• Strong employee relations, trade union and works council experience
• Robust understanding of HR systems, software, and processes with experience of managing appraisals, recruitment, training, etc.
• Strong judgment with problem solving and decision-making abilities
• Resilience and ability to be agile in fast changing environment
• Project delivery and change management experience
• Business and commercial awareness
• Degree qualified in relevant discipline and/or formal HR qualifications

What You'll Be Doing:

Be part of a team that values diversity, sustainability, and continuous innovation, where your ideas and contributions matter.

• Leading the HR organisation for France to deliver a clear and robust HR strategy aligned with regional and group objectives
• Manage the employee relations and works council strategy
• Anticipate problems and challenges which may be complex in nature through effective awareness of business and external trends
• Operate as a HR Business Partner to senior managers and leaders, providing accurate and strategic advice as a Partner to multiple business stakeholders and providing coaching
• Advise, assist and support managers in resolving personnel issues, in line with employment legislation
• Coach and develop a high performing HR team with a particular focus on team development through an effective business partnership model and culture
• Identify future areas of opportunity to improve the HR function within country, including processes, technology, business partnering and stakeholder management
• Act as a lead for all areas of performance management, objective setting, salary recommendations, grade increases, recruitment, career and succession planning
• Demonstrate an empathetic yet business focused approach to communication and advice, ensuring a balance between employee and organisational interests
• Oversee country annual budget planning process for the HR function

Additional Information

This is a hybrid position based at our Montigny office in Paris, with travel to other sites in France.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the hiring process or experience any issues with our online application process, please email

Croda is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief.