HR Operations Lead (EMEA & APAC)

HR Operations Lead (EMEA & APAC)

Global Spirits Business.

Location: Dublin (City Centre)
Working Model: Hybrid

Salary: Competitive base , annual bonus and benefits.

The Opportunity

We are partnering with a well-established, globally recognised premium consumer brand organisation with a strong portfolio across international markets. With EMEA & APAC headquarters based in Dublin, this is a key leadership hire to support continued regional growth and operational excellence.

This role will suit a senior HR professional who thrives in a hands-on, operationally focused environment and is comfortable leading HR across multiple jurisdictions with a high degree of autonomy.

The Role

As HR Operations Lead, you will take full ownership of HR operations across EMEA & APAC, supporting a workforce of approximately 250 employees across diverse markets. Reporting to a UK-based HR Director, you will act as the regional lead, driving consistency, compliance, and efficiency across all HR processes.

This is a standalone leadership role (with one direct report), requiring a strong operator who can balance strategic thinking with day-to-day execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage end-to-end HR operations across multiple countries, ensuring consistency and scalability of processes
• Oversee the full employee lifecycle including onboarding, offboarding, payroll coordination, benefits, and employee services
• Ensure compliance with local employment legislation across all jurisdictions, proactively managing risk and change
• Drive continuous improvement and standardisation of HR processes across the region
• Own and optimise HR systems (HRIS), supporting digital transformation and improved employee experience
• Deliver accurate HR data, reporting, and insights to support senior leadership decision-making
• Partner with senior stakeholders across functions including Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Finance
• Support organisational change initiatives, workforce planning, and policy implementation
• Manage employee relations matters with a pragmatic and commercially focused approach
• Collaborate with global HR teams on annual cycles and key projects

About You

You are an experienced HR operations leader who enjoys building structure, improving processes, and operating at pace across international environments.

Key Requirements

• 10+ years' HR experience, with significant exposure to HR operations in a multi-country environment
• Proven experience across EMEA (beyond UK & Ireland essential)
• Strong understanding of employment law and compliance across multiple jurisdictions
• Experience working in FMCG or similarly fast-paced, commercial environments
• Comfortable operating in a standalone role with limited day-to-day support
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior leaders
• Experience with HR systems (e.g. SuccessFactors or similar)
• CIPD qualified (or equivalent)

Desirable

• Experience within the drinks or wider consumer goods sector

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to take ownership of HR operations across a diverse international region
• High visibility role with direct exposure to senior leadership
• Join a globally recognised brand with strong growth ambitions
• Work in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment that values innovation and accountability

If you are a pragmatic, hands-on HR leader looking for a role where you can make a tangible impact, this opportunity offers both autonomy and influence in equal measure.