Head of HR

Ascension Executive Recruitment; Dublin; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascension Executive Recruitment is seeking a senior HR leader to own the HR function in Ireland and partner with a global business unit. You will balance hands-on delivery with strategic HR leadership across a matrix, supporting multiple locations and international growth markets.

The role requires proven HR management or senior HR business partner experience, strong knowledge of Irish employment law, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders while delivering high-quality HR services.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in an HR Manager or Senior HR Business Partner role.
• Background working in international or matrix organisations.
• Strong understanding of Irish employment law, with exposure to other jurisdictions an advantage.
• Experience supporting business growth, transformation, or new market entry.
• Confident influencing and coaching stakeholders at different levels.
• Comfortable operating both strategically and at a hands-on level.
• Experience working with external HR or legal providers.
• Strong communication skills; additional languages are beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Lead HR in Ireland, owning the function across Ireland for ~300 employees.
• Manage day-to-day HR operations and employee relations.
• Ensure compliance with Irish employment legislation.
• Act as a trusted advisor to managers and employees.
• Deliver a consistent and high-quality HR service.
• Partner with a global business unit to align people strategy with objectives.
• Support HR input for international growth markets and new locations.

Skills

HR management

Stakeholder coaching

Strategic thinking

Hands-on HR

People skills

Job description

The Opportunity

This is a broad and impactful HR leadership role within a growing, internationally focused organisation. The position combines full ownership of the HR function in Ireland with strategic partnering to a global business line and advisory support across a number of developing international markets. You’ll operate in a matrix environment, working closely with senior stakeholders locally and globally. The role suits someone who enjoys balancing hands‑on delivery with shaping HR structures in evolving and fast‑paced settings.

What You’ll Be Doing

Lead HR in Ireland

You will take full responsibility for the HR function across Ireland, supporting a workforce of approximately 300 employees across multiple locations.

This includes:

• Managing day‑to‑day HR operations and employee relations
• Ensuring compliance with Irish employment legislation
• Acting as a trusted advisor to managers and employees
• Delivering a consistent and high‑quality HR service

Partner a Global Business Function

You will act as the key HR partner to an international business unit, working closely with senior leadership to:

• Align people strategy with commercial objectives
• Support organisational design and workforce planning
• Drive performance, talent, and leadership initiatives
• Provide expert guidance on change management and people challenges

Support International Growth Markets

In addition to Ireland, you will provide HR input and coordination for a number of smaller or emerging regions. This will involve:

• Assisting with the establishment of HR processes in new locations
• Supporting local compliance and adapting global policies where needed
• Working with external providers (e.g. payroll, legal advisors)
• Helping build scalable HR foundations in developing markets

Key Areas of Focus

• Operational Excellence: Deliver efficient, compliant HR support in Ireland and contribute to consistent practices across regions
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong working relationships with leaders across different geographies and functions
• Global Alignment: Collaborate with international HR colleagues to implement shared frameworks and initiatives
• Talent & Capability: Support hiring, development, and retention strategies across multiple regions
• HR Infrastructure: Contribute to systems, processes, and vendor management to support business growth
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to enhance HR effectiveness and maturity

About You

• Proven experience in a HR Manager, or Senior HR Business Partner role
• Background working in international or matrix organisations
• Strong understanding of Irish employment law, with exposure to other jurisdictions an advantage
• Experience supporting business growth, transformation, or new market entry
• Confident influencing and coaching stakeholders at different levels
• Comfortable operating both strategically and at a hands‑on level
• Experience working with external HR or legal providers
• Strong communication skills; additional languages are beneficial

Why This Role?

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a country HR function while also contributing at a global level. You’ll play a key role in shaping HR practices, supporting international expansion, and partnering with leadership to drive business performance.