HR Manager

Cental Engineering Limited; Carlow; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cental Engineering Limited is seeking a hands-on HR Manager to lead our HR function across the business. Based in Carlow, this role delivers operational and strategic HR initiatives while partnering with managers to drive engagement, compliance and continuous improvement.

You will manage end-to-end recruitment, performance management, payroll liaison, and HR systems, ensuring accurate data, policy compliance, and a positive employee experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years' HR generalist experience.
• Strong knowledge of employment legislation.
• Experience developing and improving HR policies, processes and systems.
• Experience within manufacturing, engineering or fast-paced operational environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Provide HR guidance to senior management and line managers.
• Monitor workforce trends and recommend improvements to HR policies and practices.
• Lead the development, optimisation and ongoing enhancement of HR systems, ensuring data integrity and reporting capability.
• Drive continuous improvement across the HR function, increasing efficiency and employee experience.
• Manage end-to-end recruitment and onboarding processes.
• Oversee onboarding and induction for new employees.
• Ensure a positive candidate and employee experience.
• Provide guidance on disciplinary, grievance, and performance matters.
• Conduct investigations and support employee relations processes.
• Foster positive engagement and workplace culture.
• Develop performance review processes and coordinate learning initiatives.
• Promote career development and succession planning activities.
• Manage salary review processes and benchmarking with payroll.
• Partner with payroll to ensure accurate HR data and timely payroll processing.
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation and company policies.
• Produce and analyse HR metrics to support planning.
• Develop and implement HR policies and initiatives.
• Manage employee documentation and contracts.
• Manage compliance activities for international site visits.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Organisation

Project management

Relationship building

HRIS proficiency

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, or related discipline

Tools

HRIS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Cental is a global supplier of fully designed, engineered, built and integrated modular and skid-mounted solutions for the Data Centre, Utilities, Life Sciences, and Oil & Gas markets. From our headquarters in Carlow, Ireland, we deliver comprehensive solutions for clients worldwide.

Our people are the foundation of our success. With three manufacturing facilities and a talented team of engineers, designers, project managers, and tradespeople, our team manages every detail, ensuring seamless delivery from initial design to final installation. We value teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement, creating a collaborative, innovative environment where everyone can reach their potential.

We also believe in celebrating achievements and recognising effort. From monthly quality and safety initiatives for breakfast treats and local tool vouchers, to company breakfasts, staff BBQs, and occasional outings, we bring people together to enjoy achievements and strengthen our team spirit.

Growth and learning are central to Cental. Whether you’re joining as an apprentice, graduate, or experienced professional, we provide training and development opportunities to help you build a rewarding, long-term career.

If you’re passionate about excellence, innovation, and teamwork, join us and be part of a company that’s engineering solutions and building futures.

We are seeking a HR Manager to lead our HR function and support the continued growth of the business. This is a hands‑on role responsible for delivering both operational and strategic HR initiatives while partnering with managers to drive engagement, compliance and continuous improvement across the organisation.

This role is responsible for managing the full employee lifecycle while acting as the primary HR contact for managers and employees across the business.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Support the development and implementation of HR strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Provide HR advice and guidance to senior management and line managers.
• Monitor workforce trends and recommend improvements to HR policies and practices.
• Lead the development, optimisation and ongoing enhancement of HR systems, ensuring data integrity, reporting capability and effective utilisation across the business.
• Drive continuous improvement across the HR function, identifying opportunities to enhance processes, increase efficiency and improve the employee experience.

Recruitment & Talent Management

• Manage the end‑to‑end recruitment and selection process.
• Oversee onboarding and induction for new employees.
• Ensure a positive candidate and employee experience.

Employee Relations

• Provide guidance on disciplinary, grievance, performance and absence management matters.
• Conduct investigations and support formal employee relations processes.
• Foster positive employee engagement and workplace culture.

Performance Management & Development

• Develop performance review processes across the organisation.
• Identify training and development needs and coordinate learning initiatives.
• Promote career development and succession planning activities.
• Manage salary review processes and benchmarking activities.
• Partner with payroll to ensure accurate employee data and timely payroll processing.

Compliance & HR Administration

• Ensure compliance with employment legislation and company policies.
• Produce and analyse HR metrics to support workforce planning and strategic decision‑making.
• Develop, review and implement HR policies, procedures and initiatives that support business objectives.
• Manage employee documentation, contracts, and policy updates.
• Manage compliance activities for international site visits.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years' HR experience in a generalist HR role.
• Strong knowledge of employment legislation.
• Experience developing and improving HR policies, processes and systems.
• Experience within manufacturing, engineering or a fast‑paced operational environment.
• Experience managing HR systems and HR analytics.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Ability to build effective relationships at all levels.
• Proficiency in HRIS and Microsoft Office applications.