HR Manager - Medite Smartply

About the Role

Medite Smartply, one of Europe's top producers of sustainable engineered wood panels and part of the Coillte Group, is expanding its operations through significant investment worth €75 million in its manufacturing facility. The company is seeking a seasoned HR Manager to lead the HR function across its manufacturing sites in Clonmel and Waterford. This permanent position is pivotal in shaping company culture, boosting leadership skills, and managing the people agenda for about 410 employees.

Reporting directly to the Director of HR & Sustainability, the successful candidate will oversee a multi-disciplinary HR team, including roles such as Payroll Specialist, HR Officers, an HR Generalist, a Business Partner, and an Associate, providing both strategic direction and day-to-day HR management.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a skilled HR team while enhancing the overall HR capability.
• Manage complex employee relations issues including investigations, disciplinary actions, and grievance procedures within a unionized context.
• Coach leadership teams to strengthen management skills and standardize people management across sites.
• Improve attendance management, HR governance, and policy execution throughout manufacturing locations.
• Collaborate with senior executives on projects such as Pay Transparency compliance, HR system upgrades, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure payroll compliance, maintain HR reports and analytics for strategic business insights.
• Foster strong partnerships with trade unions sustaining a collaborative industrial relations atmosphere.

Experience and Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in HR within manufacturing, FMCG, logistics, or comparable operational sectors.
• Deep expertise in employment law and employee relations.
• Proficiency in influencing and earning trust at all company levels.
• Commercial acumen combined with resilience and practical problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with HR information systems and leveraging people data for business performance.
• A degree in Human Resources or an equivalent field; CIPD membership is advantageous.

Why Work at Medite Smartply?

This is more than just an HR function; it's a chance to influence HR's future in a company devoted to its workforce, innovation, and manufacturing excellence. The position grants autonomy and the opportunity to play a central role in leadership development, cultural enhancement, and business-critical projects within a values-driven organization.

The company offers a competitive salary and benefits, along with clear career progression paths.