Human Resources Business Partner

Job Title: HR Business Partner

Location: Lisbon

Salary: up to €40.000 gross per year

Start date: ASAP

On behalf of a dynamic, rapidly expanding European hospitality group, we are seeking an experienced International HR Business Partner. Founded in Lisbon and now operating across Portugal and the UK, our client is built on a culture of inclusivity, exceptional culinary service, and vibrant workplace energy. They are seeking a grounded, hands-on HR professional to partner closely with operational leadership across their multi-site venues.

As HR Business Partner, you will act as the key strategic and operational People contact for site managers, operations leadership, and head chefs. Balancing high-level workforce strategy with hands-on advisory work, you will guide site leaders through employee relations, compliance, performance frameworks, and talent planning.

This role reports directly to the Head of People and requires someone who can build immediate credibility on the restaurant floor, handle sensitive employee matters with poise, and collaborate effectively with legal, finance, and operations teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Business Partnering: Serve as the primary HR advisor for venue leaders; coach managers on feedback delivery, leadership, and proactive team climate management.
• Employee Relations (ER): Manage end-to-end ER cases, including grievance procedures, disciplinary actions, performance improvement plans, and terminations with complete legal compliance and fair investigation.
• Strategic Planning & Workforce Alignment: Collaborate with Operations and Finance on headcount budgeting, seasonal staffing scalability, succession planning, and skills gap analysis.
• Compliance & Labor Law: Maintain strict adherence to Portuguese Labor Law, manage updates to internal policies, and liaise with external legal advisors as required.
• Data & AI Analytics: Utilize HRIS data, engagement metrics, and modern AI tools to identify operational trends, mitigate turnover, and support data-backed decisions.
• Organizational Change & Growth: Support management and teams through venue launches, restructures, policy rollouts, and multi-market expansions.
• Compensation & Benefits: Oversee job classifications and salary benchmarking for operational roles; coordinate with Finance and Payroll regarding contractual adjustments and exit settlements.
• Performance & Leadership Development: Oversee performance evaluation frameworks for venue management, supporting leadership onboarding and continuous manager training.
• Strategic People Projects: Contribute to group-wide HR initiatives, including OKR frameworks, employee engagement initiatives, and culture surveys.

Key Requirements:

• Experience: 5+ years of progressive HR Generalist or HRBP experience specifically within the hospitality, retail, or leisure sectors.
• Legal Expertise: Deep working knowledge of Portuguese Labor Legislation and compliance standards.
• ER Leadership: Proven track record of independently managing end-to-end employee relations and disciplinary frameworks.
• Technical Savvy: Proficient with modern HRIS platforms and an aptitude for leveraging HR analytics and AI tools for workforce insights.
• Languages: Full professional fluency in both written and spoken English and Portuguese.
• Interpersonal Approach: Pragmatic, communicative, and resilient, with strong operator credibility and a direct advice-giving style.

Desirable (Plus):

• Experience establishing HR operations, entities, or compliance frameworks in new international markets.

What’s on Offer

Our client offers a competitive salary and a modern, people-focused work environment, including:

• Flexible Working: A hybrid office/remote model, supplemented by a generous work-from-abroad policy allowance each year.
• Prime Work Environment: Modern Lisbon office facilities, including a private terrace, refreshments, and collaborative workspaces.
• Comprehensive Healthcare: Private medical insurance following probation.
• Wellness & Social Benefits: Subsidized fitness classes, mental health support programs, team activities, and employee discounts across group venues.

Job Title: HR Business Partner

Location: Lisbon

Salary: up to €40.000 gross per year

Start date: ASAP

Should your experience and knowledge match with the requirements of this role, we invite you to apply. For further details, please address your email to luizas@corecruitment.com