People Partner - Ireland

GEA is one of the world’s largest systems suppliers for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical sectors. Our portfolio includes machinery and plants as well as advanced process technology, components and comprehensive services. Guided by a strong sense of purpose, our more than 18,000 dedicated employees work to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of production processes globally.

Responsibilities / Tasks

The People Partner provides operational HR support to the Farm Technologies and Pure Flow Processing divisions across the UK & Ireland cluster. The role focuses on the effective delivery of core HR processes, employee relations, and day-to-day advisory support to managers, ensuring alignment with company policies, global standards, and local employment legislation.

Acting as the key People Partner representative in Ireland, the role also supports the implementation of wider People initiatives and ensures local insights are shared with the broader UK & Ireland People Partner team.

Location: This role can be based in Naas or Cork, Ireland, with travel to the UK.

Operational HR Delivery & Employee Relations

• Provide day-to-day HR support to managers across the assigned divisions.

• Manage and support employee relations cases, including: Investigations

• Grievances; Disciplinary processes

• Provide practical, consistent, and legally compliant advice on policies, procedures, and employment legislation (UK & Ireland).

• Ensure local compliance with employment law and alignment with global standards.

HR Processes & Governance

• Support the delivery and execution of global HR governance processes, including: Position approvals; Compensation changes; FTE reporting and workforce data submissions

• Facilitate the delivery of annual People processes, including: Salary reviews; Perform & Grow (performance management); Leadership Review

• Ensure timely communication, coordination, and accurate execution of processes across stakeholder groups.

Manager & Stakeholder Support

• Act as a trusted HR advisor to managers, providing guidance on day-to-day people matters.

• Support managers in operational planning and people-related decision-making.

• Provide coaching and practical support to managers where required.

• Represent the People Partner agenda in divisional meetings.

• Support employee engagement initiatives and contribute to a positive employee experience.

Collaboration & Team Integration

• Work closely with central People teams to deliver end-to-end People services.

• Act as the local Ireland People Partner representative, ensuring local topics and insights are shared with the wider UK & Ireland team.

• Support both global and local People projects as assigned by the line manager.

Reward Management

• Support Reward Management activities within the cluster, including Salary review processes; Bonus calculations; Market analysis and benchmarking

Data, Reporting & Analytics

• Provide required reports and data submissions to the global organisation and management.

• Use HR data, metrics, and reporting tools to support decision-making and identify trends where appropriate.

Onboarding & Team Support

• Act as a “buddy” for new colleagues or apprentices when requested, supporting onboarding and integration.

Your Profile / Qualifications

Eligibility

• Legal right to work in Ireland

• Ability to travel to the UK as required

Education & Professional Knowledge

• University degree (Master’s preferred) in Psychology, Human Resources, or a related field

• CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent)

• Strong knowledge of Irish employment law, HR frameworks, and people practices

Professional Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in an HR Business Partner or similar operational HR role

• Significant experience in operational HR, including: Employee relations case management; Providing guidance within UK & Irish employment law

• Solid understanding of core HR disciplines:

• Employee Relations

• Talent Acquisition

• Performance Management

• Compensation & Benefits

• Learning & Development

• Experience using HRIS systems (e.g., Workday, SAP) and reporting tools

• Experience supporting data-driven HR decision-making using metrics and analytics

Skills & Competencies

• Experience working in an international HR environment with diverse cultural contexts

• Evidence of continuous professional development in HR

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills

• Ability to support managers on day-to-day HR matters and operational planning

• Experience in compensation processes, including salary reviews and bonus calculations

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and present data

Did we spark your interest?
Then please click apply above to access our guided application process.