Profile of the Role:The HR Specialist will provide HR functions to a team of approx. 55+ employees across Document Control, Technical Writing, Training, Technical and General Administration. This is an interactive role fulfilling front-line and advisory functions.The HR Specialist will be an integral contributor to Covalen, working within and promoting the Company Values – Be Brave, Be Wise, Be Proud, Exceed.Duties:Policy development and documentation; ensure HR policies and procedures are updated in line with current legislation.Development and maintenance of HR & Recruitment related procedures, processes and policies in line with changing requirements.Lead and/or assist in the development of Human Resources process flow mapping, employee handbook, contracts, forms, reports, etc.Change Management:Maintain effective & constructive relationships with all management and staff to effect positive change to new environment.Create and design specific processes and initiatives related to change management.Provide change management support to managers ensuring that change programs maintain high levels of employee engagement and commitment.Retention Management:Monitor retention and attrition levels identify trends and work with business stakeholders to ensure achievement of targets.Work alongside business stakeholders to implement retention plans.Recruitment & Selection:Liaising with the Talent Acquisition team regarding talent needs.Screen and submit CV's.Arranging and coordinating interviews.Interviewing candidates.Ensuring a positive candidate experience.Background check compliance.Reporting:Create, develop and maintain data for all aspects of HR.Proactive approach to monitoring & analysing all data related to HR.Effectively communicate analysis to business stakeholders through various channels.Collect and analyse HR data; identify opportunities, define problems, and recommend viable solutions, i.e. Time and Attendance, Attrition.Employee Lifecycle, Engagement, People Management:Manage the process for new hires throughout the employee lifecycle.Effectively coordinate all administration relating to employee lifecycle.Have an active involvement in, and a positive contribution to any HR Projects that may arise.Project manage various HR initiatives and projects as needed.Ensure new and existing people practices are recurrent, happen in a timely manner and are to the satisfaction of all parties involved, i.e. performance management, probation reviews etc.Provide coaching, mentoring and training in HR related fields to all levels of the business.Participate in the grievance, disciplinary process & all other internal HR processes.Health & Safety:Review and update Safety Statement.Conduct risk assessments- identify hazards/risks and recommendations.Review and track first aiders/fire wardens/ergonomic certificates.Complete accident report forms.Ensure PPE compliance.Track mandatory training.Requirement for this role:Bachelor's Degree, Diploma in HR or equivalent.Minimum of 2 to 4 years' experience in a similar role.Working knowledge of Irish Employment Law.Recruitment and selection experience.Hands on employee relations experience.CIPD qualified or part qualified.Strong Business acumen.TUPE operational knowledge desirable.Previous experience working in the Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology industry and/or multi-national desirable.Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel and Word.TMS/HRM system knowledge desirable.Location: Dunderrow, Kinsale, Co. Cork- FullyOnsiteContract: Full-time, 39 hours per week, permanent contractStart: January 2026CovalenLinkedInLI-JS5