Director of People Operations & Engagement

Sanderson; Leinster; Hybrid; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Sanderson is exclusively retained by Talbot Group to appoint a Director of People Operations & Engagement. This senior role reports to the CEO and will transform the operational delivery of the people agenda while shaping the organisation's future direction.

You will lead recruitment, retention, engagement and workforce development across the Group. You will drive governance of people policies, develop leadership capability and deploy an operating model that delivers consistent, high‑quality

Qualifications

• Senior HR leader with track record of transforming People functions in complex organisations.
• Experience developing recruitment and workforce strategies to strengthen capability.
• Strong knowledge of employment law and employee relations.
• Proven ability to lead organisational change, culture and engagement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Support the CEO and leadership team in translating the people strategy into action.
• Lead the People function to deliver a consistent employee experience across the Group.
• Embed people, capability and culture in business planning and decision-making.
• Develop and strengthen the People operating model and governance.
• Drive service excellence across core people processes and lifecycle events.
• Use data and workforce planning to inform business decisions.

Skills

People leadership

Talent strategy

HR operations

Organisational change

Employment law

Stakeholder engagement

Commercial judgement

Job description

Director of People Operations & Engagement

Talbot Group | Stamullen Co. Meath

Role Summary

Sanderson has been exclusively retained by Talbot Group to appoint a Director of People Operations & Engagement reporting directly to the CEO. This person will lead and transform the operational delivery of the people agenda while helping to shape the future direction of the organisation. This critical hire will ensure the People function delivers a consistent, commercially focused and high-quality service across the Group.

This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for people operations, recruitment & retention, employee engagement, organisational development, workforce planning, employee relations and leadership capability. This is an opportunity to join a purpose-driven organisation at a pivotal stage of growth and development. You will have direct influence on organisational strategy while building a modern, effective and highly valued People function that supports colleagues across the Group.

Core Responsibilities:

• Support the CEO and senior leadership team in translating the Group's people strategy and organisational priorities into practical action.
• Lead the operational delivery of the People function and ensure a consistent employee experience across the Group.
• Embed people, capability and culture considerations into business planning and decision-making.
• Continue to develop and strengthen the People operating model.
• Build credibility and trust in the People function through high-quality service delivery and strong stakeholder engagement.
• Partner with senior leaders on organisational development, change and capability initiatives.
• Develop management and leadership capability through effective talent management and succession planning.
• Lead the development and implementation of people policies, procedures and operational standards.
• Drive consistency, accountability and service excellence across core people processes.
• Ensure effective and efficient delivery across the entire employee lifecycle.
• Oversee employee relations, engagement, performance and organisational capability initiatives.
• Use data, insight and workforce planning to support informed business decisions.

Skills & Experience

• Significant experience leading and transforming the People function within in a multi-site or complex organisation.
• Proven experience developing and delivering recruitment and workforce strategies that strengthen organisational capability, support growth and ensure access to critical talent.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, employee relations and people operations.
• A track record of leading organisational change, culture and engagement initiatives.
• Strong commercial judgement and the ability to balance people priorities with business outcomes.
• Experience developing high-performing teams and building management capability.
• You are a senior HR leader who combines strategic thinking with operational excellence.
• Hybrid working available but greater on-site presence is required during onboarding and the initial period in role.