PORTWEST, a leading global manufacturer of safety wear, workwear and PPE is currently seeking applications for the position of Group HR Business Partner on a 12-Month Fixed-Term basis reporting to the People Operations Manager. Founded in 1904, Portwest has become one of the fastest growing workwear companies in the world, currently employing over 6,000 staff worldwide. With 1,400 styles across more than 20 ranges, we design, manufacture and distribute market-leading workwear, safety wear and PPE in fully owned production facilities.
We're on a mission to become the world's most requested PPE and Safety Wear Brand.
JOB SUMMARY:
Support the Head of HR & People Operations Manager in the provision of a global advisory function to line managers, senior team, and employees on Portwest policies, in line with strategy, culture and values and relevant legal framework.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support the implementation of the HR Strategy under the guidance of the 5-Year Business Plan.
- Be fully conversant in all HR policies. Provide HR support to managers, employees and contractors globally, with respect to local labour laws and Portwest internal policies, culture and values
- Manage complex, multi-jurisdictional Employee Relations & Performance Management cases independently.
- Oversee compliance reviews for countries of operation e.g. occupational health, pension enrolments etc.
- Support global sites in implementation of Portwest HR policies; advise on local labour law issues and co-ordinate with external labour law advisors where appropriate.
- Proactively implement policy/handbook updates in compliance with new legislation or industry best practice across countries of operation.
- Proactively drive new initiatives for the betterment of the employee experience & HR Team, focusing on performance management, AI, HR analytics & process efficiencies.
- Manage onboarding and offboarding globally to ensure a smooth employee experience, maintaining legal compliance in HR, H&S and local labour laws.
- Handle complex payroll related employment queries as they arise.
- Act as a brand ambassador for Portwest by upholding the values, policies, messaging and intentions set by the company for communication to employees.
- Work with the Head of HR & People Operations Manager to stay abreast of factors affecting regions of operation or new regions of acquisition, new warehousing or new factory locations, within the scope and limitations of your training and experience.
- Always respect the need for confidentiality with all sensitive discussions, documents or proposals.
- Provide Tier 2 Support to BambooHR users on queries and systems issues.
REQUIREMENTS:
- 3rd level degree in Business & HR or other relevant qualification
- Minimum 5–7 years' HR experience.
- Experience working in an international HR role, supporting other regions outside of Ireland
- Proven ability to manage Employee Relations & Performance Management issues
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Competent in Data Analytic / Efficiency tools e.g. Power BI, Power Automate etc.
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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.
