Job Reference: HRGC1310

HR Generalist

Purpose of the Role

HR Hire is delighted to partner with a dynamic, growing commercial manufacturing organisation in Carlow to recruit a proactive and organised HR Generalist. In this varied and hands-on role, you will take ownership of the day-to-day employee lifecycle, provide practical guidance to managers and staff, maintain HR compliance, and support key people initiatives to drive the ongoing success of the business.

Key Candidate Requirements

• Employee Lifecycle Management: Manage the end-to-end employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, performance review cycles, and offboarding processes.

• Advisory & Query Support: Act as the first point of contact for day-to-day employee and management queries, providing clear, practical guidance on policies, leave, attendance, and general workplace matters.

• Employee Relations Support: Provide support on employee relations issues, including performance management, disciplinary matters, and conflict resolution, escalating complex cases to the HR Manager as appropriate.

• Policy & Compliance: Assist in developing, implementing, and updating HR policies and procedures to ensure total alignment with Irish employment legislation and industry best practice.

• HR Administration & Systems: Maintain accurate, up-to-date employee records, contracts, and leave data within the HRIS, ensuring strict confidentiality and GDPR compliance.

• Recruitment & Inductions: Partner with hiring managers to coordinate talent acquisition, review candidate profiles, schedule interviews, and deliver structured, engaging induction programs for new joiners.

• Training & Development: Coordinate training and development activities across departments to enhance workforce skills and support continuous employee development.

• Compensation & Benefits: Support routine compensation and benefits processes, including leave tracking, benefits administration, and salary review preparation.

Candidate Profile

• Hands-on All-Rounder: A proactive, self-motivated professional with an energetic, roll-up-your-sleeves attitude who thrives in a diverse operational setting.

• Collaborative Partner: Comfortable working in tandem with a part-time HR Manager, demonstrating autonomy and initiative to keep day-to-day operations running smoothly.

• Relationship Builder: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the credibility to build rapport across both operational teams and leadership.

• Organized & Pragmatic: Exceptionally well-organized, with strong attention to detail and the agility to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Discreet & Professional: Demonstrates sound judgment and integrity when handling sensitive personnel and ER issues.

Must-Have Experience

• 3–5 years of progressive experience within an HR Generalist, HR Specialist, or HR Advisory capacity.

• Practical, working knowledge of Irish employment legislation and statutory compliance.

• Demonstrated experience managing end-to-end employee lifecycle administration, recruitment coordination, and operational ER support.

• Previous experience operating within a manufacturing, production, FMCG, or fast-paced commercial environment is an advantage.

• Proficiency across HRIS platforms and MS Office Suite.

• Degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field (CIPD qualification or membership is desirable).

Full job description on shortlisting