Senior HR Business Partner (maternity cover)

If you’ve worn a pair of glasses, we’ve already met.

We are a global leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of ophthalmic lenses, frames, and sunglasses. We offer our industry stakeholders in over 150 countries access to a global platform of high-quality vision care products (such as the Essilor brand, with Varilux, Crizal, Eyezen, Stellest and Transitions), iconic brands that consumers love (such as Ray-Ban, Oakley, Persol, Oliver Peoples, Vogue Eyewear and Costa), as well as a network that offers consumers high-quality vision care and best-in-class shopping experiences (such as Sunglass Hut, LensCrafters, Salmoiraghi & Viganò and the GrandVision network), and leading e-commerce platforms.

Join our global community of over 190,000 dedicated employees around the world in driving the transformation of the eyewear and eyecare industry.

Discover more by following us on LinkedIn! 

Your #FutureInSight with EssilorLuxottica

Are you willing to pioneer new frontiers, foster inclusivity and collaboration, embrace agility, ignite passion, and make a positive impact on the world? Join us in redefining the boundaries of what’s possible.

Transitions Optical has been pioneering and leading the photochromic industry for more than 25 years. We are part of the EssilorLuxottica Group and we are all about living Seamlessly. That’s what our products enable, whether it’s changing from light to dark without breaking stride. Or the freedom of using a product that’s so perfect for you that you forget you’re even wearing it. It’s what our company does. Whether that’s through innovating in both style and technology, together, seamlessly. Or through marrying the start-up spirit with the heavyweight power of the global leader.

There are people who can see the future. There are people who can build it. And there are people who can do both. We’re looking for the latter.

Your role: 

This is a one year maternity cover contract. 

Based in Tuam, Galway, you will work as part of the Transitions Optical team as Senior HR Business Partner, ensuring all 450 employees of our Transitions business receive high quality of HR support and service globally.   

This position provides leadership oversight to a local HR team and acts as the primary HR interface between the business, regional HR leadership, and Centres of Excellence (CoE). The role is a core member of the Transitions TOL Leadership Team and the HR North leadership structure and reports to the HR Director – Transitions.

You will act as a strategic partner to General Managers and senior leaders, playing a critical role in shaping organisational strategy, driving transformation, and enabling business performance through people. Key to the role is the effective daily management of transactional HR activities alongside strategic business partnership and projects on Ireland or EMEA level.

Main responsibilities: 

• Strategic Business Partnering & Leadership

  • Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on organisational design, workforce planning, leadership, and culture.
  • Translate business strategy into a coherent people agenda and contribute actively to the Transitions Leadership Team.
  • Anticipate people risks and opportunities, influencing executive decisions to support sustainable growth.

  HR Leadership & Team Management

  • Lead and develop the local HR team, ensuring strong delivery and clear priorities.
  • Coordinate with Centres of Excellence (Talent, Reward, Learning) to ensure aligned and timely execution of HR initiatives.
  • Establish standards, governance, and best practices for HR service delivery.

  Regional & Global HR Governance

  • Oversee HR operations across Ireland and EMEA, ensuring alignment with global frameworks while meeting local legal and cultural requirements.
  • Influence HR strategy and policy development in partnership with regional and global HR leaders.

  Organisational Change & Transformation

  • Lead complex change initiatives such as restructures, role evolution, site transitions, and leadership changes.
  • Coach leaders through ambiguity and embed sustainable organisational transformation.

  Talent, Capability & Leadership Development

  • Drive talent management, succession planning, and leadership development strategies.
  • Strengthen organisational capability and performance management practices.

  Employee Relations, Engagement & Culture

  • Provide expert guidance on complex ER issues, ensuring compliance and values‑aligned decision‑making.
  • Lead engagement and retention initiatives informed by insights and data.

  Payroll Oversight (Ireland)

  • Provide senior oversight of Irish payroll to ensure accuracy, compliance, and effective governance.
  • Act as the escalation point for payroll risks and drive continuous improvement.

  Policy, Compliance & Risk Management

  • Ensure HR policies and practices comply with Irish and European legislation.
  • Contribute to the development of practical and compliant global/regional HR policies.

  HR Data, Insights & Continuous Improvement

  • Use HR data and analytics to influence executive decision‑making and drive proactive action.
  • Champion continuous improvement in HR services, processes, and operating models.

  Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

  • Serve as a visible DE&I advocate, embedding inclusive leadership and equitable practices across the organisation.

Main Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related discipline.
• 7+ years’ progressive HR experience, including experience operating at Senior HRBP or equivalent level.
• Demonstrated success partnering with executive leaders in complex, matrixed organisations.
• Strong, practical knowledge of Irish employment law and working exposure to European employment frameworks.
• Proven experience leading HR teams and providing functional oversight to CoE resources.
• Experience leading organisational change, transformation, and workforce strategy.
• Strong analytical capability with experience using HR metrics to inform strategy and manage risk.
• Highly effective influencer with the ability to operate credibly at executive level.
• Strategic mindset combined with operational pragmatism and strong execution capability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

#LI-RM1

Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion commitment​

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We celebrate diversity and provide equal opportunities to all, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic that makes us unique.