People & Culture Business Partner, Wicklow

People & Culture Business Partner

To act as a trusted partner to managers and leaders by delivering proactive HR solutions.

In line with our strategic plan and ongoing growth, we are seeking to recruit a full time business partner who will play a key role in delivering high-quality HR support across Festina Lente. This role will ensure full compliance with Irish employment legislation, provide guidance and support to staff and volunteers, manage HR administration, and actively contribute to fostering a positive, inclusive organisational culture.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, professionalism, and integrity, with the ability to build trust and maintain confidentiality at all times. They will be highly organised, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a busy environment.

Based at: The primary base for the position will be in our HQ at Old Connaught Avenue, Bray, Co Wicklow. As part of our strategic growth, we are relocating to Belfield House, Kilpedder, Co. Wicklow within a timeframe of 2 years.

Contract Type: Full-Time Permanent, 39hr week (Monday to Friday, 08.00am to 16.30pm)

Key role and Responsibility:

Strategic Partnership

Support the development and implementation of HR strategies aligned with organisational objectivesContribute to workforce planning and organisational development initiatives

Performance Engagement & Professional Development

Partner with managers to build inclusive, high-performing teams through the Performance Engagement Framework,Provide coaching and guidance on performance management, team development, and inclusive leadership practices,Promote career pathways and internal mobility opportunitiesSupport continuous professional development (CPD) across the organisationFoster and promote a culture of lifelong learning

Learning & Development

Identify current and future skills requirements, particularly in inclusive practice, social enterprise, and programme deliverySupport workforce development planning across departmentsDesign, source, and coordinate training programmes (e.g., leadership development, disability awareness, safeguarding, communication skills)Ensure all learning interventions are accessible, inclusive, and aligned with organisational needs

Talent and Workforce Development

Manage end-to-end recruitment including job descriptions, advertising, screening, interviews, scheduling, and reference checks,Support Garda Vetting processes and ensure compliance requirements are met,Support employment permit processes and associated compliance,Coordinate staff and volunteer onboarding and induction programmes,Maintain recruitment documentation in line with organisational policies, funding requirements, and GDPR.

Employee Wellbeing

Design and coordinate employee engagement surveys, feedback forums, and consultation initiatives,Analyse engagement data and recommend actionable improvements,Act as a trusted advisor on employee engagement, wellbeing, and cultural development,Promote wellbeing initiatives and support a healthy work-life balance,Encourage open communication and employee voice across all programmes,Support recognition initiatives aligned with organisational values.

HR Administration & Systems

Maintain accurate HR records [contracts, personnel files, leave, attendance, training)] both within the HR directory and within the HRIS [BrightHR],Support payroll preparation [weekly / monthly cycle].Ensure HR databases, HRIS/Bright HR or SharePoint systems are up to date.Prepare HR reports for management as needed.

Employee Relations & Support

Provide first-line support to staff on HR queries, policies, entitlements, performance, and wellbeing.Support managers with HR processes (probation, performance reviews, discipline and grievance).Promote a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace culture.

HR Policy, Compliance & Governance

Ensure compliance with Irish employment legislation, GDPR, and internal HR policies,Ensure HR practices align with equality legislation and inclusive employment best practice,Maintain and update staff handbook and HR policies,Support health and safety compliance, training schedules, and incident reporting.

Training and Development

Attending all designated training programmes in support of skills development,Active participation in team and staff meetings.

Health & Safety

Complying with the Health & Safety requirements of the organisation and legislation.