Senior HR Business Partner (Maternity Cover – 12 months)
Tuam, Galway
Onsite role
This is a
one-year maternity cover contract
.
Based in
Tuam, Galway
, you will work as part of the local leadership team as
Senior HR Business Partner
, ensuring approximately
450 employees
receive high-quality HR support and service globally.
This role provides leadership oversight to a local HR team and acts as the primary HR interface between the business, regional HR leadership, and Centres of Excellence (CoE). You will be a core member of the site leadership team and the wider HR leadership structure, reporting to the HR Director.
You will act as a
strategic partner to General Managers and senior leaders
, shaping organisational strategy, driving transformation, and enabling business performance through people. A key aspect of the role is balancing
hands-on operational HR management
with
strategic business partnership
and project work at Ireland and EMEA level.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Business Partnering & Leadership
* Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on organisational design, workforce planning, leadership, and culture
* Translate business strategy into a clear and cohesive people agenda
* Anticipate people risks and opportunities, influencing executive decision-making to support sustainable growth
HR Leadership & Team Management
* Lead, coach, and develop the local HR team
* Coordinate with Centres of Excellence (Talent, Reward, Learning) to ensure aligned delivery of HR initiatives
* Establish clear standards, governance, and best practices for HR service delivery
Regional & Global HR Governance
* Oversee HR operations across Ireland and EMEA, balancing global frameworks with local legal and cultural requirements
* Contribute to HR strategy and policy development with regional and global stakeholders
Organisational Change & Transformation
* Lead complex change initiatives including restructures, role evolution, site transitions, and leadership changes
* Coach leaders through ambiguity and embed sustainable organisational change
Talent, Capability & Leadership Development
* Drive talent management, succession planning, and leadership development strategies
* Strengthen organisational capability and performance management practices
Employee Relations, Engagement & Culture
* Provide expert guidance on complex employee relations matters, ensuring compliant and values-led outcomes
* Lead engagement and retention initiatives using insights and data
Payroll Oversight (Ireland)
* Provide senior oversight of Irish payroll to ensure accuracy, compliance, and effective governance
* Act as an escalation point for payroll risks and drive continuous improvement
Policy, Compliance & Risk Management
* Ensure HR policies and practices comply with Irish and European legislation
* Contribute to the development of practical, compliant global and regional HR policies
HR Data, Insights & Continuous Improvement
* Use HR data and analytics to influence leadership decisions and drive proactive action
* Champion continuous improvement across HR services, processes, and operating models
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
* Act as a visible DE&I advocate, embedding inclusive leadership and equitable practices across the organisation
Candidate Requirements
* Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related discipline
* 7+ years' progressive HR experience
, including operating at Senior HRBP or equivalent level
* Proven experience partnering with executive leaders in complex, matrixed organisations
* Strong working knowledge of
Irish employment law
with exposure to European employment frameworks
* Demonstrated experience leading HR teams and overseeing CoE resources
* Track record of leading organisational change, transformation, and workforce strategy
* Strong analytical capability with experience using HR metrics to inform strategy and manage risk
* Highly effective influencer with credibility at executive level
* Strategic mindset combined with operational pragmatism and strong execution skills
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English