Human Resources Business Partner (mat leave)

Human Resources Business Partner (Maternity Cover – Up to 15 Months) – County Leitrim

Reporting To: Head of People

Working Hours: Monday to Friday

Role Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Human Resources Business Partner to join a busy and dynamic HR team on a maternity cover contract of up to 15 months.

Working closely with operational leadership teams, the HR Business Partner will provide comprehensive HR support across multiple sites and operational locations, partnering with managers and employees to deliver effective people solutions. The role encompasses all aspects of the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, employee relations, training and development, engagement, performance management, and legislative compliance.

This position supports approximately 150 employees across operational and production environments and requires regular travel between locations.

Key Responsibilities

Workforce Planning & Recruitment

• Monitor and manage workforce headcount, attendance reporting, and workforce planning activities.
• Manage end-to-end recruitment processes to ensure staffing levels meet operational requirements.
• Coordinate recruitment campaigns, employee referral programmes, agency partnerships, and work permit applications where required.
• Ensure employee records, payroll information, and time management systems are accurately maintained.

Employee Onboarding & Integration

• Manage employee onboarding and induction programmes.
• Coordinate with Operations, Health & Safety, Quality, and Training teams to ensure a positive onboarding experience.
• Ensure all new employees complete required induction and compliance training.

Employee Relations

• Provide guidance and support to managers on employee relations matters.
• Coach and mentor managers on best practice people management.
• Support disciplinary, grievance, and performance management processes.
• Ensure consistency and fairness in the application of HR policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate documentation and records relating to employee relations matters.

Performance & Talent Development

• Support probationary reviews, performance reviews, and personal development planning processes.
• Monitor training requirements and support the implementation of effective training programmes.
• Work with external providers and agencies to secure training opportunities and funding where appropriate.
• Manage local training budgets and development initiatives.

Employee Engagement & Communication

• Support employee engagement initiatives and promote a positive workplace culture.
• Coordinate local communications including noticeboards, employee updates, and internal messaging.
• Monitor employee feedback and recommend actions to improve engagement and retention.

HR Reporting & Compliance

• Produce weekly and monthly HR reports including headcount, absenteeism, turnover, and training metrics.
• Maintain employee records, personnel files, and training databases.
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation and company policies.
• Keep abreast of legislative developments and advise managers on emerging requirements.

Compensation & Workforce Administration

• Support salary administration, grading structures, and workforce data management.
• Monitor working hours, overtime, and attendance patterns to ensure legislative compliance and operational effectiveness.
• Assist with payroll-related administration and employee documentation.

Health, Safety & Continuous Improvement

• Work closely with Health & Safety teams to support investigations, claims management, and compliance activities.
• Participate in continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives.
• Support organisational change programmes and business transformation activities.

General HR Support

• Participate in wider HR team projects and initiatives.
• Ensure group HR policies are effectively implemented across supported locations.
• Undertake additional duties and projects as required to support business objectives.

Key Stakeholder Relationships

• Operational Management Teams
• Department Managers and Supervisors
• Health & Safety Teams
• Payroll
• Learning & Development
• HR Team
• Recruitment Agencies
• External Training Providers

Candidate Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• Relevant HR qualification.
• Minimum 2 years' experience in a HR Generalist or HR Business Partner role.
• Experience supporting operational, manufacturing, production, retail, logistics, or similarly fast-paced environments.
• Strong employee relations experience.
• Experience partnering with managers and coaching leadership teams.
• Experience working within a labour-intensive operational environment is desirable.
• Full driving licence and willingness to travel between sites.

Skills & Competencies

• Recruitment & Selection
• Employee Relations
• Employment Law
• Performance Management
• Coaching & Mentoring
• Training & Development
• Workforce Planning
• HR Reporting & Analytics
• Stakeholder Management
• Communication & Influencing Skills
• Organisation & Attention to Detail
• Continuous Improvement Mindset

Benefits

• End of Contract Bonus.
• Opportunity to gain broad HR Business Partner experience across multiple operational sites.
• Collaborative and supportive working environment.
• Exposure to a diverse range of HR projects and initiatives.