HR Generalist

From a small family business to a multi- billion dollar global company, Sonoco has been changing the face of products and packaging since 1899 , all while keeping the heart of “People Build Businesses” alive. Our talented people are at the core of our growth, constantly reinventing the Sonoco wheel with brilliant solutions every year. Today we are a world leader in global packaging solutions with diversified operations in over 45 countries. We're extremely proud of our portfolio of brands, our achievements in sustainability and industriali s ation and the groundbreaking work accomplished by our people. Purpose of Job To provide generalist HR support to managers and employees at Athy plant, for the duration of the current HRM Maternity Leave period; including recruitment, training & development co-ordination, employee relations, engagement initiatives and generalise HR & admin support. The first point of contact for all site level HR queries. Principal Accountabilities HR Support/Procedures Implements, monitors, and maintains HR procedures and corporate policies at plant level, in co-operation with the Regional HR Director. Supports, advises and where appropriate leads Managers and colleagues on routine HR matters, legal requirements, and employers’ ethical obligations. Supports managers on all disciplinary and grievance issues. Actively participates in UK & Ireland HR Network activities, undertaking HR projects as directed by the Plant Manager and Regional HR Director. Recruitment/Terminations Provides a comprehensive end-to-end recruitment service including approval, advertising, selection, candidate communications, appointment and induction/onboarding of new starters and internal transfers. Manages employee exit processes for retirements, resignations, and terminations. Training & Development Co-ordinates the resourcing and delivery of site training to meet mandatory and business skills requirements, timeframes, and budget constraints. Assists managers with employee development discussions and performance improvement plans where required. Maintains succession plans and talent mapping processes. Administration/Reporting Controls HRIS data and employee files, ensuring information is accurate, efficiently, and confidentially maintained. Provides management reports of HR metrics and data on weekly/monthly/annual basis. Ensures timely and accurate control of data for payroll in accordance with Company and Statutory procedures including consolidation time and attendance system data, and administration of all salary changes. Absence Management Monitors and analyses absence data, advising managers on appropriate absence management policies. Supports long term absence cases, including return to work rehabilitation assistance. Behavioural Management Will support the Site management team with the management of poor performance or poor behaviours. Will develop and deploy strong human dynamics programs for people managers across the departments. Employee Relations Maintains open communication with Union Representatives and ensures all employee relations matters are resolved effectively. Site Culture Is instrumental in developing a positive, inclusive, open, confident VSP culture on site. Will initiate and develop programs to move the site to a supplier of choice for our customers Engagement Drives employee engagement initiatives, including effective and timely communications, analysis of periodic pulse survey results and action plans. Gives general practical support in organising events, small gifts, long service awards, general correspondence, travel arrangements, and other duties when required. Management of site contracted services to include Occupational Health, Cleaning and Catering. Ensures that HR procedures are registered and properly documented in the local ISO system. Participates in internal audits, EHS activities such as workplace inspections and safety behavioural monitoring. Knowledge & Experience CIPD qualified, ideally to Level 7 in HR Management or equivalent. Min. 3 years’ experience in a generalist HR role (fast-paced manufacturing sector desirable). Strong Knowledge of Irish employment law. In depth understanding of HR policies and processes (and development/implementation of these). Previous experience of employee relations and administration. Worked as part of an HR/management team yet happy to work autonomously and be self-sufficient. Experience of project and change management. IT competency – competent with Microsoft Office & applications. Experience of HRIS applications, such as Workday, time & attendance systems, UKG or similar (desirable). Previous knowledge of SEDEX requirements & SMETA audits (desirable). Person Specification / Key Competencies A seasoned, experienced, commercially astute HR professional. A sounding board and advisor for both managers and employees. A trusted and ethical business partner, demonstrating confidentiality, discretion, and impartiality. Positive “can do” attitude – happy to get hands dirty and explore fresh way of doing things. Able to influence and engage with staff at all levels of the business. Inquisitive mindset to explore and drive opportunities for continuous improvement. Resilient and able to cope with varied and fluctuating workload. Appreciates importance of systematic and accurate HR administration. Able to develop the culture of the business whilst ensuring it does not lose its identity and values. #LI-A01 We are an equal opportunity employer, and we strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any legally protected characteristic.