At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR operations for 4,000 employees across Ireland and the UK, ensuring exceptional employee experiences.
- Company: Join ICON, a global leader in healthcare intelligence and clinical research.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, health benefits, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a values-driven organisation that prioritises integrity, collaboration, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while driving HR excellence.
- Qualifications: Significant HR experience, team leadership skills, and knowledge of Irish employment legislation required.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 78000 £ per year.
Reading office. Hybrid based. ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to patients faster. As a values-driven organisation, integrity, collaboration, agility, and inclusion are at the heart of how we work and interact with each other, customers, patients, and suppliers. At ICON, it's our people that set us apart. We are seeking an experienced Senior Manager, Regional HR Operations to lead the delivery of high-quality HR operations across our largest region. Supporting approximately 4,000 employees across Ireland and the UK, you will play a critical leadership role in ensuring an exceptional employee experience, operational excellence, and compliance across a complex and fast-paced environment.
This is an exciting opportunity for a senior HR leader who thrives in a large-scale, matrixed organisation and has a strong track record of leading HR teams, driving continuous improvement, and partnering with business leaders to deliver impactful people solutions.
The Role
Reporting to the EMEA Regional HR Operations Director, you will lead a team of HR managers responsible for delivering operational HR support across Ireland and the UK. You will act as a trusted adviser to senior stakeholders, ensuring HR processes, policies, and practices are executed effectively while continuously enhancing service delivery and employee experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of HR Managers and HR professionals across Ireland and the UK.
- Drive the delivery of HR operations across the employee life cycle, including onboarding, employee relations, performance management, policy implementation, and workforce support.
- Partner closely with business leaders to understand organisational priorities and develop effective people solutions.
- Ensure compliance with employment legislation and company policies across Ireland and the UK.
- Provide guidance and support on complex employee relations matters, investigations, and organisational change initiatives.
- Monitor HR metrics, trends, and service performance, using data-driven insights to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, employee experience, and service quality.
- Collaborate with HR Shared Services, Talent Acquisition, Reward, Payroll, and broader HR teams to ensure seamless service delivery.
- Support business transformation, organisational design, and workforce planning initiatives as required.
- Foster a culture of accountability, high performance, and customer-focused HR service delivery with the broader EMEA HR managers team.
To be successful in this role, you will ideally have:
- Significant HR Operations or HR Business Partnering experience within a large, complex, multinational organisation.
- Demonstrated experience leading and developing teams, ideally including the management of HR Managers.
- Strong experience supporting employee populations in Ireland, with a thorough understanding of Irish employment legislation and HR practices.
- Experience partnering with senior business leaders and influencing decision-making.
- Strong employee relations experience, including the management of complex cases and organisational change.
- Proven ability to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Experience using HR data, metrics, and analytics to inform decision-making and measure performance.
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Preferred Experience
- Experience supporting both UK & Ireland within a regional HR leadership capacity.
- Knowledge of UK employment legislation and HR practices.
- Experience working within highly regulated, professional services, healthcare, life sciences, pharmaceutical, or clinical research environments.
- Experience leading HR transformation or process optimisation programmes.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related discipline.
- CIPD qualification or equivalent HR certification preferred.
Employment with ICON is contingent upon having the legal right to work in the country where the role is based.
Rewards & Benefits
ICON offers a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and career development. Benefits may include:
- Competitive base salary and performance-related incentives.
- Health and wellbeing programmes including medical, dental, and vision coverage where applicable.
- Retirement and pension plans.
- Life assurance and disability coverage.
- Employee assistance programmes and wellbeing resources.
- Learning and development opportunities through structured training and career pathways.
Benefits may vary depending on role and location. Visit our careers site to read more about the benefits ICON offers.
Inclusion and Accessibility
ICON is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive and accessible workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. If you require reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know or submit a request here.
Senior Manager, Regional HR Operations, UK & Ireland employer: IRE
ICON is an exceptional employer that prioritises integrity, collaboration, and inclusion, making it a fantastic place for professionals in the healthcare intelligence and clinical research sector. As a Senior Clinical System Designer, you will benefit from a competitive salary, comprehensive health and wellbeing programmes, and ample opportunities for learning and career development, all within a supportive and innovative work culture. With a commitment to employee growth and a focus on driving meaningful change in clinical trials, ICON offers a rewarding environment for those looking to make a significant impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager, Regional HR Operations, UK & Ireland
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at IRE!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at IRE.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager, Regional HR Operations, UK & Ireland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at IRE. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to IRE and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at IRE. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to IRE's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at IRE
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with IRE.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at IRE will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact IRE and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
