is looking for a Director, HR Business Partner EMEA

Founded in Norway in 1877, Helly Hansen continues to develop professional grade apparel that helps people stay and feel alive. Through insights drawn from living and working in the world's harshest environments, the company has developed a long list of first-to-market innovations, including the first supple waterproof fabrics nearly 150 years ago. Other breakthroughs include the first fleece fabrics in the 1960s, the first technical base layers in the 1970s, made with LIFA Stay Dry technology, the patented H2Flow temperature regulating system, and the revolutionary lighter, warmer LIFALOFT insulation. Building on Helly Hansen's proprietary HELLY TECH waterproof/breathable system, the technical outdoor brand has most recently introduced the award-winning LIFA INFINITY PRO - the company's most innovative waterproof/breathable technology to date. Helly Hansen is a leader in technical sailing and performance ski apparel, as well as premium workwear. Its uniforms are worn and trusted by more than 55,000 professionals and can be found on Olympians, National Teams, and at more than 200 ski resorts and mountain guiding operations globally. Helly Hansen's outerwear, base layers, sportswear and footwear are sold in more than 40 countries around the world. To learn more about Helly Hansen's latest collections, visit

THE ROLE
As the primary HR partner for Helly Hansen in EMEA and a key member of the HR team you will play a crucial role in translating business strategy into people strategy; improving the employee journey/experience for all employees within the Oslo head office and regional hubs.

You will be a key driver of organisational effectiveness, workforce capability, and cultural transformation.

Primary Accountabilities
HR Business Partnering

• Strategic partner to corporate business leaders, to act as an advisor on HR and business issues.
• Implement people strategies in line with Global & Regional objectives, Company values and best practice standards.
• Implement all aspects of HR strategies and drive HR initiatives in line with Brand objectives, providing insights and solutions on workforce planning, organisational design, and talent strategy.
• Use data and analytics to inform decision-making and measure the impact of HR programs.

Employee & Union Relations

• Oversee employee relations strategy, ensuring fair, consistent and legally compliant practices.
• Manage union relationships, collective bargaining processes and employee representation.
• In conjunction with Legal, lead resolution of complex employee relations cases and support proactive risk mitigation.

Coaching & Support

• Coach and guide leaders on policy interpretation, performance issues, and employee development.
• Keeping Leaders updated on HR/people initiatives.
• Ensure consistent application of HR policies and practices across the organisation.

Recruitment & Talent Acquisition

• Oversee recruitment strategy and execution for the HH brand, ensuring alignment with workforce planning.
• Collaborate with Talent Centre of Expertise (COE) teams to attract and retain top talent.
• Support strategic hiring decisions and succession planning.

Talent Management

• Lead the implementation of the company's PEAK performance management frameworks.
• Support managers in goal setting, feedback, and performance reviews.
• Promote a culture of achievement through the leadership competencies.
• In conjunction with the Talent COE shape and deliver the learning and development strategy to build HH Brand capability.
• Identify skills gaps and implement targeted development programs.
• Drive leadership development and career progression initiatives.

Culture & Employee Engagement

• Champion a positive, inclusive, and high-performance culture.
• Implement employee engagement strategies across EMEA, including surveys, action planning, and recognition programs.
• Collaborate with Communications teams to enhance the employee experience.

ORGANISATION
Reporting into the VP HR Kontoor Brands EMEA

Direct Reports: Helly Hansen HRBPs

RELATIONSHIPS
Internal: Senior Leaders within Corporate Offices, EMEA HR Team, Global HR COEs, Legal, Finance, Accounting.

External: Legal Counsel, Unions, local government departments, HR network, outsource providers.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience in progressive HR Business Partnering roles, with senior stakeholder management experience
• Degree, or equivalent, in HR Management
• In-depth knowledge of European labour law and unionised environments
• Fluent in Norwegian and English with any additional European Language considered as a plus

COMPETENCIES

• Strategic thinking with hands-on execution capability
• Strong Business Acumen
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Resilience and ability to manage ambiguity
• Collaborative leadership and coaching mindset
• Data-driven decision-making
• Comfortable working in a global and multi-cultural environment

Any questions can be directed to

Application is ONLY accepted in portal (due to personal data protection rules). We review applications on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.