Assistant Director of People & Culture

At Adare Manor, our vision is "Beyond Everything" - a commitment to creating magical, unforgettable experiences for our guests and team alike. As a globally celebrated luxury resort, we are proud to have been awarded the prestigious Forbes FiveStar rating and honoured with Michelin's highest distinction - 3 Keys. From our Michelinstarred dining to worldclass golf, including hosting the 2027 Ryder Cup, Adare Manor is a place where excellence thrives.

About the Role

As Assistant Director of People & Culture, you will play a critical leadership role in ensuring our People & Culture function delivers an exceptional service to our leaders, colleagues and the wider business.

Reporting to the Director of People & Culture, you will lead the day-to-day operation of the department, support and develop the People & Culture team, and act as a trusted advisor to leaders across the resort. This role is ideally suited to an experienced HR professional who combines strong employment law and employee relations expertise with the ability to build meaningful relationships, coach leaders and deliver excellence across a demanding operational environment.

You will be a visible presence throughout the business, partnering with leaders to identify solutions that support both our people and our business, develop talent, manage risk and support organisational success. You will also deputise for the Director of People & Culture and play a key role in delivering the overall People Strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Department Management

Lead the day-to-day operation of the People & Culture department, ensuring the People & Culture team delivers an exceptional service to our colleagues & leaders.

Lead, coach and develop the People & Culture team, ensuring they provide trusted and effective support to leaders and colleagues across the business.

Support the Director of People & Culture in the delivery of strategic objectives and key people initiatives.

Act as deputy to the Director of People & Culture, providing leadership and direction in their absence.

Ensure priorities are effectively managed and resources are aligned to the needs of the business.

Employee Relations & Employment Law

Lead and support complex employee relations matters, including investigations, disciplinary processes, grievances, capability and attendance management cases.

Provide expert advice and guidance to managers on employment legislation, company policies and best practice.

Coach leaders to confidently and effectively manage people-related matters within their teams.

Ensure employee relations issues are handled fairly, consistently and in line with legislation and organisational values.

Proactively identify and mitigate people-related risks within the business.

Leadership Coaching & Business Partnering

Build strong, trusted relationships with leaders across all departments.

Support managers to develop their leadership capability and confidence.

Partner with leaders to identify workforce challenges and implement practical solutions that support operational success.

Act as a credible and pragmatic advisor, balancing the needs of team members with the needs of the business.

Recruitment, Talent & Workforce Planning

Take ownership of Adare Manor's recruitment strategy and talent pipeline, ensuring the business continues to attract, develop and retain exceptional people.

Lead the attraction, selection and onboarding of talent across the resort, ensuring recruitment activity is aligned with operational and strategic business needs.

Partner with leaders to identify current and future workforce requirements, supporting effective workforce and succession planning.

Champion an exceptional candidate experience that reflects the Adare Manor employer brand and values.

Support managers in identifying and developing high-potential talent within their teams, creating clear pathways for growth and progression.

Collaborate with Learning & Development to strengthen organisational capability and support career development opportunities.

Drive initiatives to attract, retain and develop exceptional people across the business.

Monitor recruitment activity, talent trends and workforce metrics, providing insights and recommendations to support informed decision making.

Employee Engagement & Culture

Support initiatives that enhance employee engagement, wellbeing and retention.

Champion Adare Manor's values and contribute to maintaining a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

Use employee feedback and people metrics to identify trends and drive continuous improvement.

Support the delivery of employee events, recognition programmes and engagement initiatives.

HR Operations & Compliance

Ensure all People & Culture processes are delivered accurately, professionally and in line with employment legislation.

Oversee the effective management of HR systems, policies and employee records.

Monitor and analyse key people metrics to support informed decision making.

Drive operational excellence across all areas of the People & Culture function.

The Person

We are looking for a credible, hands-on people leader who builds strong relationships, develops others, takes ownership and delivers results. The successful candidate will be equally comfortable coaching leaders, leading a team, managing complex employee relations matters and supporting the day-to-day needs of the business.

Comfortable operating at both a strategic and operational level, they will lead the day-to-day delivery of the People & Culture service, support the development of the team and contribute to the continued success of Adare Manor through strong people leadership and sound decision making.

Qualifications & Experience

Demonstrated experience in a HR leadership role.

Strong employee relations and employment law expertise.

Proven experience leading, coaching and developing teams.

Experience supporting recruitment, talent development and workforce planning initiatives.

Excellent relationship building, communication and influencing skills.

Strong commercial awareness and sound judgement.

CIPD qualification and/or relevant third-level degree.

Hospitality or service industry experience advantageous.