EMEA People Operations Manager

1125773
  • Job type

    Permanent
  • Location

    Cork
  • Working Pattern

    Full-time
  • Specialism

    Human Resources
  • Industry

    Engineering
  • Pay

    Competitive

EMEA People Operations Manager | Cork | Permanent

Hays are proud to present a rare opportunity to lead People Operations across the EMEA region for a business that’s scaling rapidly and investing heavily in its people agenda. As our EMEA People Operations Manager, you’ll partner with leaders across borders, elevate HR service delivery, and champion initiatives that strengthen culture, capability, and operational excellence. If you’re motivated by influence, complexity, and global scope, this role will give you the platform to excel.

Your new role

As the EMEA People Operations Manager, you will lead the delivery of efficient, scalable, and employee‑focused people operations across multiple countries within the region. You will oversee HR service delivery, people processes, HR systems, and compliance, ensuring a consistent and high‑quality employee experience. Partnering closely with business leaders, HR Business Partners, and Centres of Excellence, you will drive operational excellence, optimise workflows, and support the rollout of global People initiatives across the EMEA footprint.
You will manage a regional People Operations team, providing coaching, guidance, and leadership to ensure smooth execution of core processes such as onboarding, offboarding, HR data management, payroll coordination, benefits administration, performance cycles, and HRIS updates. You will also use people data and insights to support decision‑making and continuously improve service standards, while ensuring alignment with both global People strategies and local employment legislation.

What you'll need to succeed

  • Strong experience in HR operations or people services within an international, multi‑country environment.
  • Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop HR operations teams.
  • Hands‑on experience with HR systems, with the ability to drive adoption and process optimisation.
  • Excellent understanding of HR processes, data governance, and regulatory compliance across EMEA.
  • Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to partner effectively with leaders and cross‑functional teams.
  • A continuous‑improvement mindset, with a track record of streamlining workflows and enhancing employee experience.
  • Ability to analyse people data, identify trends, and use insights to support operational and strategic decisions.
  • Strong communication, problem‑solving, and organisational skills, with experience in a fast‑paced, scaling environment.
What you'll get in return

  • The opportunity to lead a regional People Operations function with real impact and visibility across the EMEA business.
  • A dynamic and collaborative environment focused on innovation, service excellence, and continuous improvement.
  • Exposure to global People initiatives and the chance to shape best‑practice People operations.
  • Career progression opportunities within an international organisation.
  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • The opportunity to work with a supportive leadership team that values development, empowerment, and operational excellence.
What you need to do now

If you're interested in this opportunity, please apply with an up‑to‑date CV. If this role isn’t quite right for you, but you’re exploring new HR or People Operations positions, get in touch to discuss other opportunities with me today.


If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call me now on 01 582 7603 and ask for Liam.

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact me for a confidential discussion about your career.


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Apply for this job

Talk to Liam Nally, the specialist consultant managing this position

Located in Hays Recruitment, Cork, 54 South Mall, Cork, Telephone: 015827603
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