HR Operations Manager

Permanent employee, Full-time · 1WML

The Role

At Core, we believe that great work starts with trust. Our flexible, people-first approach is grounded in strong values, deep connection, and a culture that enables our people to thrive. We are a values-driven organisation where collaboration, innovation, and inclusion are more than just words — they’re how we work.

Our HR team is proud to be at the forefront of shaping that culture. We’re progressive, ambitious, and always evolving. Through bold thinking, strong partnerships, and meaningful initiatives, we create experiences that help our people grow, connect, and belong.

About the Role

We’re now seeking an HR Operations Manager to join our team and help us scale our impact even further. This is a key role responsible for driving operational excellence across the entire employee lifecycle.

You’ll oversee everything from policy execution and process optimisation to issue resolution, operational reporting, and service delivery. More than that, you’ll help shape how HR shows up every day: as a trusted partner, a culture builder, and an enabler of business success.

This role requires strategic thinking, operational rigor, and a people-first mindset. We’re looking for someone who thrives in dynamic environments, leads with empathy, and is passionate about building systems and experiences that truly work for people.

Key Responsibilities

Service Delivery & Operational Excellence

Lead the HR Operations team in delivering consistent, scalable, and inclusive HR services
Ensure operational processes meet business needs while delivering an outstanding employee experience
Monitor and improve service levels, operational efficiency, and compliance
Manage workload distribution, SLA adherence, and ensure data integrity across systems
Actively identify areas for automation, simplification, and continuous improvement

People Experience & Culture Activation

Champion a people-first, service-minded approach that reflects Core’s values
Support the activation of key people initiatives, including Great Place to Work (GPTW) action plans and engagement priorities
Collaborate cross-functionally to drive moments that matter, from onboarding and internal mobility to offboarding
Partner with CPO, Payroll, IT, and other stakeholders to resolve complex employee queries and ensure policy alignment

Team Leadership & Development

Manage, mentor, and develop a diverse, high-performing team
Foster a team culture built on trust, feedback, growth, and mutual respect
Set clear expectations and support team development through coaching and stretch opportunities
Encourage innovation and accountability across all levels of your team

Strategic Impact & Collaboration

Translate business and HR strategy into operational action
Ensure a seamless interface between local delivery and global shared services
Provide data-driven insights and operational reporting to inform people decisions
Lead or support cross-functional projects and change management initiatives

Your profile

Qualifications & Experience
Essential:

5+ years of HR Operations or Shared Services experience, with a track record of delivering high-quality people services
Strong knowledge of HR processes, employment practices
Confident working across systems and using data to inform decisions
Exceptional problem-solving, organisational, and communication skills

Desirable:

Strong project management and process improvement background
Deep understanding of the employee experience and passion for continuous improvement
Ability to thrive in ambiguity, lead through change, and inspire action

Why us?

Flexible and hybrid working
24/7 access to professional development through LinkedIn Learning along with career progression and mentoring
The opportunity to work across a huge range of clients within so many different categories from sport, retail, food and drink, to alcohol, insurance, banking and so much more
21 days annual leave plus a day off on your birthday, company closure days at Christmas and early finish on bank holiday Fridays
A company culture that promotes work-life balance
Family-focused benefits including paid maternity and paternity leave as well as maternity phase back program, fertility treatment supports and paid pregnancy loss leave
Access to mental health and well-being programs including paid health insurance for you and your dependents under 18
Professional financial advice; employer contributory pension and life assurance
Make a difference by joining our D&I, CSR, Green, Social or Great Place to Work committees; you’ll get an extra days leave for your efforts.
And lots more …

Salary Range

€45,000-€50,000 DOE

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About us

Core is Ireland's largest marketing communications company with over 400 people working across the key areas of marketing communications - research, data science, strategy, planning, creative development and implementation. We are now a collective of nine practices, working towards a single purpose - to expand the possibilities of what brands can achieve. At Core, we believe that change can move us forward and compel us towards new possibilities. Our wonderful people are at the centre of our success. It is essential that we keep building a high-trust working environment that supports our people and enables them to flourish. There is no magic formula for becoming a great place to work. Instead, it involves working together, through constant change, to match the personal dreams and ambitions of our people with the aspirations of the organisation.

Over the years, we have cemented our position as a great place to work, time and time again. Voted Agency Network of the Year for 2024. This year, we were again voted as one of Irelands Top 10 Best Workplaces by the Great Place to Work Institute for the 16th year consecutively.

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We are looking forward to hearing from you!

Thank you for your interest in Core. Please ensure when applying for roles you upload a copy of your CV, and a cover letter no more than 300 words as to why the role is for you. Should you have any difficulties with your application, please email HR@onecore.ie.

Please note this role is only a flexible hybrid role within the Republic of Ireland. Submitting an application indicates to us that you have intention to relocate or are already living here.