People Operations Manager

About the Company

Aramark Ireland is offering an opportunity for a People Operations Manager to become part of its leadership team based at Croke Park. This role involves active and hands-on participation in a dynamic and fast-moving event-driven atmosphere, combining swift problem-solving, data-informed decision-making, and operational execution in partnership with the people operations team and operational managers at the stadium.

About the Role

The chosen candidate will manage the entire employee lifecycle, emphasizing large-scale seasonal recruitment, workforce planning and scheduling, employee engagement, and leadership of the on-site People Operations team. Collaboration with operational leaders is key to ensure the stadium is well-staffed with talented and motivated colleagues delivering outstanding guest experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement the People Operations Strategy at Croke Park aligned with business growth and client needs.
• Lead and nurture a high-performing People Operations team.
• Manage workforce planning, scheduling, rota development, and deployment to ensure smooth operations.
• Identify staffing gaps and create solutions to maintain operational continuity.
• Utilize HR Shared Services systems such as Ubeya and SAP SuccessFactors to enhance efficiency.
• Drive high-volume recruitment for permanent, casual, and seasonal staff in collaboration with People Operations and hiring managers.
• Coordinate and deliver annual re-engagement programmes for returning seasonal employees.
• Develop and sustain talent pipelines supporting major event demands and peak trading periods.
• Supervise onboarding and induction initiatives to ensure excellent colleague experiences.
• Establish clear career paths and developmental frameworks for all permanent and casual team members.
• Ensure alignment with Irish employment laws and Aramark’s policies and procedures.
• Offer expert guidance and coaching on employee relations to operational managers.
• Support managers in fostering a performance-driven culture using structured management frameworks.
• Lead employee engagement efforts to boost retention and satisfaction.
• Promote diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing across a broad workforce.
• Use data analytics to inform decisions regarding workforce planning, cost management, payroll, and operations.
• Create reporting tools, dashboards, and key performance indicators for senior leadership review.
• Monitor workforce indicators including labor costs, turnover rates, absenteeism, and productivity.
• Provide hands-on leadership during major events to ensure effective staffing, compliance, and employee welfare.
• Verify all employees’ Right to Work documentation before employment and maintain compliance throughout tenure.
• Adjust resourcing models according to event-specific demands and operational needs.
• Ensure accurate and timely compensation for all colleagues.
• Maintain fair treatment and professional standards to support retention.
• Offer operational People Management support as needed across other Aramark Food Service business areas, including future events (e.g., Ryder Cup Adare 2027).
• Own employee presentation standards across the stadium ensuring professionalism and positive representation.
• Develop, implement, and enforce dress code, uniform, and grooming standards consistent with organizational and brand guidelines.

Qualifications and Experience

• Background in operations management within large-scale hospitality, catering, events, or similar service industries involving volume management.
• Experience working with sizeable seasonal workforces.
• Capability to influence stakeholders in a commercially oriented environment.
• Strong analytical skills with competence in data interpretation and reporting.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational abilities.
• Proven ability to excel in a fast-moving operational business setting.

Required Skills

• Experience in stadiums, arenas, venues or comparable large event environments.
• Familiarity with workforce management systems like SAP SuccessFactors, Ubeya, or equivalents.
• CIPD or equivalent professional qualification.
• Experience managing cross-functional operational teams spanning resourcing, payroll, and learning & development.