Director, People & Culture

About the Role & Team
Be you, be here, be part of the story!

At The Walt Disney Company, magic is more than just a word; it's a way of life. For a century, we've been inspiring imaginations, celebrating diversity, and bringing families together through our beloved stories, characters, and experiences. From our iconic theme parks and resorts to our groundbreaking films, television shows, interactive media and products, we're dedicated to creating magic that knows no bounds.

We are looking for an experienced People & Culture Director to make a meaningful impact and be part of a dynamic team here in London!

The People & Culture Director will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the people strategy across Disney Consumer Products and Media Networks and Sports business areas. This executive-level position involves partnering with regional business leaders to drive organizational success through effective people management. The role requires leading people and culture generalists, overseeing performance, talent, and reward cycles, and ensuring alignment with Disney's values and strategic goals.

Please Note: This is an office-based role. 4 days working in the Hammersmith, London office with 1 day working from home (Monday or Friday).

Responsibilities

As the People & Culture Director, you will be responsible for providing leadership and direction through senior leadership teams, developing and executing strategy and business plans, and influencing senior leaders both internally and externally. This role is crucial for fostering a culture of accountability, strategic thinking, and continuous development within the organization.

• Partner with Regional Business Leaders (SVP level) on their EMEA people strategy and be part of their broader leadership teams

• Be part of the Disney Experience global people and culture leadership team representing EMEA people and culture business and priorities

• Be part of the UKI People and Culture leadership team and deputise for the VP People & Culture where required

• Partner with the US people and culture teams to ensure alignment with key stakeholders and people priorities

• Establish a vision and strategy aligned with business goals, connecting stakeholders and building strong teams.

• Hold self and others accountable to meet commitments, ensuring alignment with organizational goals through effective planning.

• Inspire individual and business success by clearly communicating the "why" behind business decisions and connecting teams to the big picture.

• Define strategies, expectations, and priorities, ensuring team actions align with the Company's success.

• Provide continuous coaching and feedback, building trust and ensuring individuals reach their highest potential.

• Develop self and others, supporting career aspirations and encouraging team members to learn and grow.

• Create an environment where Disney values are experienced, encouraging creative problem solving and ensuring everyone's voice is heard.

• Lead and deliver people cycles across performance, talent, and reward.

• Lead on strategic people cross functional projects in enablement of delivery of business priorities

Required Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience in Human Resources/People & Culture

• Proven track record of managing senior client relationships and operating senior business partner level.

• Proven experience in highly matrixed organizations and/or regional roles.

• Demonstrable multi-discipline Human Resources experience, both operational and strategic.

• Excellent communication and influencing skills.

• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to gain trust and work effectively across multiple stakeholders.

• Proactive, self-starter who can deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

Competencies

• People Strategy Execution - Partner with regional business leaders to drive organizational success through effective people management.

• Accountability - Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments.

• Effective Planning - Aligns work with organizational goals through effective planning.

• HR Business Partnering - Proven track record of managing client relationships and operating at HR Business Partner level.

• Multi-Discipline HR Management - Demonstrable multi-discipline Human Resources experience, both operational and strategic.

• Communication Skills - Excellent communication and influencing skills.

• Matrixed Organization Experience - Experience in highly matrixed organizations and/or regional roles.

• Performance and Talent Management - Lead and deliver people cycles across performance, talent, and reward.

The Perks

• 25 days annual leave

• Private medical insurance & dental care

• Free Park Entry: You will have the opportunity to enter any of our parks with your family and friends for free

• Disney Discounts: you are entitled to discounts on designated Disney products, resort F&B and ticketing

• Excellent parental and guardian leave

• Employee Resource Groups – WOMEN @ Disney, Disney DIVERSITY, Disney PRIDE, ENABLED, and our Mental Health & Wellbeing Group, TRUST.

The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong. Disney is committed to forming a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.