Compensation & Benefits Specialist

PORTWEST, a leading global manufacturer of safety wear, workwear and PPE is currently seeking applications for the position Compensation and Benefits Specialist in Westport, Ireland on full time basis, reporting {Hiring Manager}. Founded in 1904, Portwest has become one of the fastest growing workwear companies in the world currently employing over 5,100 staff worldwide. With 1400 styles across more than 20 ranges, we design, manufacture and distribute market leading workwear, safety wear and PPE in fully owned production facilities. We’re on a mission to become the world’s most requested PPE and Safety Wear Brand. JOB SUMMARY:

The Compensation & Benefits Specialist will support the delivery and administration of compensation and benefits programs across multiple countries. This role assists in ensuring that reward practices are consistent, competitive, and aligned with company policies and local regulatory requirements. Working as part of the wider HR and Talent Acquisition team, the Compensation and Benefits Specialist helps coordinate global salary benchmarking, job evaluation activities, annual pay and bonus cycles, and benefits administration. The role also supports the maintenance of reward data, preparation of reports and analysis, and the implementation of compensation tools and processes. Responsibilities include helping ensure compliance with local employment legislation (e.g. minimum wage requirements) and supporting the organisation’s readiness for upcoming regulations, including the EU Pay Transparency Directive. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct analysis of compensation and benefits trends in the market to ensure we are competitive in various markets. 

• Provide insights and support on compensation and benefits-related issues. 

• Develop and maintain job descriptions, salary structures, and job evaluation systems. 

• Alignment of all compensation systems to general conditions on the labor market as well as on legal regulations in various markets. 

• Developing new benefits program ideas to increase total compensation for employees 

• Manage the administration of compensation and benefits programs (such as healthcare renewals), including benefits benchmarking, renewals, enrolment, and reporting. 

• Manage the continuous global review of benefits in line with local legislation e.g. healthcare, pension & occupational health.

• Participate in salary surveys and other benchmarking activities. 

• Collaborate with the broader HR/TA team to develop and implement overall compensation and benefits strategies and initiatives. 

• Align compensation programs with internal performance frameworks and recruitment strategies to attract quality candidates and promote a performance-based culture.

• Lead the rollout of internal performance-based pay framework

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field. 

• At least 3 years of experience in compensation and benefits administration. 

• In-depth knowledge of compensation and benefits practices and principles. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 

• Experience with job analysis, market pricing, and job evaluation methodologies. #LI-JB1

COMPANY AWARDS

• Great Place To Work 2024 
• Private Irish Business of the year – Export Industry Awards 2025
• Silver Ecovadis Sustainability Rating 2025