HR Director (Ireland)

CEL Critical Power is a global provider of mission-critical power solutions operating at the centre of the AI, hyperscale data centre and critical infrastructure ecosystem. Demand for CEL's products is strong and accelerating. The challenge is not sales demand, it is executing growth at pace without compromising delivery certainty, production discipline or customer trust. Operating from its Irish base, CEL continues to scale its production capability in parallel with its US expansion, with similar ambitions to significantly increase output over the coming years. Ireland remains central to CEL's global operating model and will continue to play a critical role in delivering high-quality, engineered products at scale.

The Role

The HR Director role requires a strategic and operational leader who will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the HR function across the CEL group in Ireland. You will play a pivotal role in aligning HR strategies with the company's overall goals, fostering a culture of excellence and ensuring the organisation attracts, retains and develops top talent.

• Develop and implement top-tier HR systems alongside a comprehensive HR strategy that aligns with CEL's business objectives and cultural principles.
• Work closely with Department Managers to assist in building and implementing organisational structures that support our strategic goals.
• Create and manage compensation and benefits programs designed to attract, retain, and motivate employees.
• Oversee employee relations by addressing concerns, resolving conflicts, and fostering a positive workplace culture.
• Deploy effective performance management systems, including setting KPIs, conducting performance evaluations, and creating training and development plans to enhance employee skills and career progression.
• Monitor employee satisfaction through surveys and take necessary actions to improve the work environment.
• Design and implement initiatives that strengthen the company's core values and cultivate a positive culture.
• Serve as a culture advocate, ensuring consistent alignment across all organisational locations.
• Develop and maintain HR policies and procedures that comply with current legal requirements and incorporate best practices within our operational areas.
• Support the CEL Management team in managing employee disciplinary processes, investigations, and terminations as needed.
• Stay informed about industry trends and best practices to continuously enhance HR functions.
• Lead, coach, and mentor the broader HR team and people managers to build internal capabilities and nurture strong leadership at every level.
• Design, author, and continuously update HR policies, handbooks, and frameworks that are clear, equitable, legally compliant, and suitable for a rapidly scaling business.
• Champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) by embedding inclusive practices into hiring, promotions, compensation, and daily culture.
• Collaborate on talent acquisition strategies and employer branding to attract top engineering, commercial, and operational talent across Ireland
• Drive workforce planning and organisational design to facilitate rapid growth, new site launches, and evolving operational models.
• Lead the selection, implementation, and optimisation of HR technology and integrate AI tools to streamline recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and analytics.
• Establish a people analytics capability that utilizes data and dashboards to guide decisions regarding retention, engagement, DEIB, productivity, and rewards.
• Create a comprehensive employee wellbeing and mental health strategy that includes hybrid and remote working policies as well as manager training.
• Partner with key stakeholders as a trusted advisor, providing support, constructive challenge, and succession planning at all organisational levels.
• Lead internal communications and change management efforts for organisational, cultural, and transformational initiatives.
• Enhance commercial P&L performance related to people management by overseeing payroll, headcount costs, benefits expenditures, recruitment investments, and L&D budgets, while demonstrating ROI for all people-focused initiatives.

Requirements

• Degree educated with 10+ years of HR leadership experience, with a strong focus on building a positive business culture and employee engagement.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication and leadership skills with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience leading HR across multi-site operations and implementing appropriate HR Platforms.
• A strategic mindset with a proven track record of aligning HR initiatives with organisational goals.
• In-depth knowledge of Irish employment laws and HR best practices.
• A proactive and solution-oriented approach, with the ability to handle sensitive matters with integrity, discretion and professionalism.
• Ability to work independently and make data-driven decisions.
• Working knowledge of Irish employment law, including contract law, TUPE, GDPR etc
• Demonstrable experience designing employment contracts, policies and frameworks from the ground up in a scaling business.
• Hands-on experience selecting and implementing modern HRIS platforms (Personio, HiBob, Workday or similar) and applying AI-enabled tools across the employee lifecycle.
• A track record of coaching and mentoring senior leaders and developing high-performing HR teams.
• Experience leading talent acquisition and employer branding at pace, including executive and technical hiring.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, with experience managing HR budgets and presenting to executive teams and boards.
• Proven ownership of the people P&L, building workforce cost models, forecasting headcount, controlling people spend and linking HR investment to commercial outcomes.

Benefits

Why Join CEL Critical Power?

Join a Trusted Industry Leader - 42 Years of Excellence
CEL has been delivering high-quality, bespoke power distribution solutions for over four decades, with products that stand the test of time.

Be Part of a Global Expansion
With CEL launching its first US manufacturing plant, you will have the opportunity to work on international projects and documentation standards while collaborating with colleagues across North America.

Collaborate with World-Class Engineers, Vendors & Industry Experts
You'll work alongside leading engineers, project managers, document controllers, product managers, and global vendors, ensuring excellence and operational success across CEL's international teams.

Shape the Future of CEL - Critical Power
This is more than just an operator role-it's an opportunity to help forge the future of CEL and our expansion across the US.

Competitive Salary, Benefits & Career Growth
We offer structured career development, professional training, and leadership opportunities, ensuring long-term career progression.