Regional HR Generalist

Portwest; Bergamo; On-site; EUR 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Portwest, based in Sulbiate, is looking for a Regional HR Generalist to join their team. The ideal candidate will act as the primary HR partner to managers and employees across Italy and France, ensuring compliance with local labour laws and internal policies. Strong expertise in employee relations and HR compliance is essential.

With a degree in HR or a related field and 3–5 years of experience, you will manage the full employee lifecycle and support recruitment efforts. Join Portwest and contribute to a great workplace culture!

Qualifications

• 3–5 years’ experience in an HR role supporting Italian operations.
• Proven experience managing employee relations and HR compliance.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary HR partner to managers and employees across Italy and France.
• Manage the full employee lifecycle, including onboarding and offboarding.
• Ensure compliance with local labour laws and internal policies.

Skills

Fluency in Italian

Fluency in English

Knowledge of Italian employment legislation

Employee relations management

HR compliance

Education

Degree in HR or related field

Tools

BambooHR

ADP

Job description

Overview

PORTWEST, a leading global manufacturer of safety wear, workwear and PPE, is currently seeking applications for the position of Regional HR Generalist based in Sulbiate on a permanent basis, reporting to the People Operations Manager. Founded in 1904, Portwest has become one of the fastest growing workwear companies in the world, employing over 6,000 staff worldwide. With 1400 styles across more than 20 ranges, we design, manufacture and distribute market leading products globally. We are on a mission to become the world’s most requested PPE and Safety Wear brand.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary HR partner to managers and employees across Italy and France, providing guidance on policies, employment law and best practices
• Manage the full employee lifecycle, including onboarding, offboarding, benefit administration and employee data management
• Ensure compliance with local labour laws, statutory requirements and internal policies across both locations
• Handle employee relations matters including disciplinary, grievance, performance and absence management
• Lead HR compliance activities for a growing operation, including audits, reporting and coordination with external advisors
• Partner with managers on organisational changes, performance issues and workforce planning across warehouse and sales teams
• Maintain HR & Payroll systems (BambooHR, ADP), ensuring data accuracy
• Monitor, analyse and report HR metrics, identifying trends and driving continuous improvement
• Support the Talent Acquisition team with recruitment and hiring activities, particularly for operational roles, ensuring a smooth candidate and onboarding experience
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external providers as necessary (payroll, legal, H&S) to deliver efficient and consistent HR operations

Requirements

• Degree in HR or related field
• 3–5 years’ experience in an HR role supporting Italian operations
• Strong knowledge of Italian employment legislation
• Fluency in Italian and English
• Proven experience managing employee relations and HR compliance
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, evolving environment

Nice To Have

• Exposure to French employment law
• French language skills
• Experience supporting multi-site or international organisations
• Familiarity with HR systems such as BambooHR and ADP
• Experience in warehouse, manufacturing or fast-growing environments

Company Awards

• Great Place To Work 2024
• Private Irish Business of the year – Export Industry Awards 2025
• Silver Ecovadis Sustainability Rating 2025

Applicants must have a right to live and work in the relevant jurisdiction.

Portwest is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, civil status, veteran status, family status, disability status or membership of a minority group.