Human Resources Lead (Ireland and International)

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

Job summary

Ascension Executive Recruitment is seeking an accomplished HR leader to own the HR function for Ireland and partner with a global business unit. You will balance hands-on delivery with shaping HR structures in a growing, international environment.

You will lead HR operations, ensure compliance with Irish legislation, and act as a trusted advisor to managers. The role includes supporting regional expansion and working across multiple locations with regular European travel.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a HR Manager, or Senior HR Business Partner role.
• Background in international or matrix organisations.
• Strong understanding of Irish employment law; exposure to other jurisdictions is a plus.
• Experience supporting business growth, transformation, or market entry.
• Confident influencing and coaching stakeholders at different levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead HR in Ireland for a workforce of ~300 employees across multiple locations.
• Manage day-to-day HR operations and employee relations.
• Ensure compliance with Irish employment legislation.
• Act as a trusted advisor to managers and employees.
• Coordinate HR input for a global business function and regional expansion.
• Drive performance, talent, and leadership initiatives.
• Support HR process establishment in new locations and liaise with payroll and legal providers.
• Maintain scalable HR foundations in developing markets.

Skills

HR leadership

Employee relations

Irish employment law

Stakeholder engagement

Change management

Strategic partnering

Job description

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

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 experience working within a predominantly industrial setting.
• 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.

Working arrangement

• The role requires 5 days onsite from Baldonnell.
• The role requires regular international European travel.