HR Business Partner

HR Business Partner (HRBP) – Retail Support Office

Location: Ballincollig, Cork (Hybrid)
Department: Human Resources
Reports to: Head of HR

About the Role

Maxi Zoo Ireland are driven by the desire to make the life of pets and pets owners simpler, better and happier. To achieve this, we work hard, accept responsibility and seek every opportunity to learn about pets and customers.

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded HR Business Partner to support our Retail Support Office and partner with leadership teams across our Ireland retail operations. This role will act as a strategic advisor, delivering people initiatives that enable business performance while ensuring compliance with Irish employment legislation and company policies. This role is a full time position and based at our Head Office located in Ballincollig, Co. Cork. Fully remote work is not available.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic HR Partnership

• Partner with functional and retail leaders to understand business priorities and develop aligned HR strategies.
• Support organisational design, workforce planning, and capability development aligned to business growth.
• Use people analytics and insights to influence decision-making and improve performance and engagement.

2. Employee Relations & Compliance

• Provide expert guidance on HR policies, procedures, and employment legislation, ensuring compliance with local, national, and corporate requirements.
• Manage and advise on disciplinary, grievance, performance, and absence cases to successful resolution.
• Maintain compliance with WRC guidelines, GDPR requirements, and statutory employment obligations.

3. Talent Management & Development

• Support succession planning, talent reviews, and leadership development programmes.
• Identify skills gaps and collaborate with L&D to deliver targeted training.
• Coach managers to elevate leadership capability and drive high-performance culture.

4. Recruitment & Workforce Planning

• Partner with recruiter to ensure effective hiring for Support Office and Store Roles.
• Support forecasting of labour needs, role design, and organisational changes.

5. Performance & Reward

• Guide managers through the performance management cycle, ensuring fairness and consistency.
• Support annual salary review cycles and reward processes.
• Provide support to the payroll team, including payroll submissions and annual leave cover when required.
• Ensure role evaluations and grading align with company frameworks.

6. Engagement, Culture & Change

• Lead or support initiatives to drive employee engagement and reinforce company values.
• Act as a change champion for business transformation projects.
• Support communication planning and implementation during organisational changes.

Key Skills & Experience

Essential

• 3–5+ years’ HR Business Partnering or Senior HR Generalist experience, ideally within retail, FMCG, or multi-site environments.
• Third level degree/masters in Human Resource Management or related discipline.
• Strong background across core HR disciplines: employee relations, compensation, performance management, and talent development.
• Proven ability to partner with senior stakeholders and influence effectively.
• Exceptional communication, coaching, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and produce insights.
• High level of independence and initiative while working effectively as part of the team.
• Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Strong attention to detail, refined planning and organisation abilities with a proven track record of multi-tasking and working to tight deadlines.
• Willingness to travel to sites on an infrequent basis as required; access to own transport is essential.

Desirable

• CIPD or equivalent professional membership is an advantage.
• Previous experience with payroll administration and the use of BrightPay payroll software would be an advantage.
• Proficiency in HRIS and other relevant HR software (SAP SuccessFactors)
• Exposure to organisational change or transformation programmes.

What We Offer

• An opportunity to grow with Europe’s biggest pet retailer
• Competitive salary/pension
• Hybrid office arrangements
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee Discount – up to 40% staff discount and 20% off in our salons.
• Career development
• Paid maternity and paternity leave, annual leave & sick leave.
• Free onsite parking