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HR Business Partner (Maternity cover, 12 months) - Job Opportunity at Mallinckrodt

Dublin, Ireland

Full-time

Mid-level

Posted: August 1, 2025

On-site

EUR 65,000 - 80,000 per year. This estimate reflects the mid-level seniority of the role requiring 5+ years experience, the pharmaceutical industry premium, Dublin market rates, and the specialized nature of the business partner function. The maternity cover aspect may command a slight premium due to the defined duration and immediate start requirement, while the comprehensive scope of responsibilities spanning strategic and operational HR functions justifies the upper end of this range.

Benefits

Maternity leave coverage role providing immediate employment opportunity with defined duration and potential for extension or permanent conversion

Exposure to pharmaceutical industry standards and compliance frameworks enhancing professional credentials

Leadership development opportunities through coaching senior managers and participating in executive meetings

International collaboration experience working with US-based functional partners and global HR centers of excellence

Wellbeing team leadership role demonstrating corporate commitment to employee health and engagement

Access to pharmaceutical industry networking and professional development within a regulated healthcare environment

Key Responsibilities

Drive strategic business alignment by collaborating directly with senior leaders to develop corporate culture initiatives that enhance talent attraction, retention, and motivation across international regions

Lead organizational transformation through designing and executing comprehensive HR and change management initiatives including restructuring, culture development, and engagement survey action planning

Deliver end-to-end employee lifecycle management ensuring consistent HR service delivery that meets business objectives while maintaining corporate compliance standards

Establish thought leadership in HR community through active networking to stay current on employment regulations, policies, and best practices that inform strategic decision-making

Provide strategic guidance to US-based functional HR Business Partners on local Irish employment requirements, serving as the regional compliance expert

Act as executive coach and change agent to enhance leadership capabilities across the organization, directly impacting management effectiveness and business performance

Partner strategically with Talent Acquisition to shape hiring processes, define resourcing strategies, and influence assessment methodologies that align with business growth objectives

Drive talent optimization through managing comprehensive Talent Review and Performance Management processes, developing succession planning, and implementing performance improvement initiatives that increase organizational capabilities

Execute critical annual HR programs including performance management cycles, bonus planning, and year-end compensation processes ensuring alignment with corporate guidelines and timely delivery

Manage complex pay and benefits programs through cross-functional collaboration with centers of excellence, finance teams, and external vendors to ensure competitive positioning

Lead employee communication strategies and manage relationships with Master Service Providers for contractor hiring, optimizing workforce flexibility and cost management

Resolve complex employee relations matters including conducting investigations and providing management guidance on appropriate resolutions that protect both employee rights and business interests

Generate strategic insights through compiling, analyzing, and reviewing HR data and reports that inform business leader decision-making and drive operational improvements

Provide executive-level HR support through participation in monthly Site Leadership meetings and weekly Plant Leadership meetings, influencing strategic business decisions

Champion employee wellbeing initiatives by leading the Dublin Wellbeing Team and implementing action plans that enhance employee engagement and productivity

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree, preferably in a HR or business related field

Experience

Minimum of 5 years' experience in a generalist human resources role and, business partnering preferred

Required Skills

Working across all aspects of the employee lifecycle, including resourcing, employee relations, leadership development and coaching, compensation and benefits, talent management, organizational design, project and change management and HR compliance Experience in supporting leaders in a matrixed organization in both an advisory (business partnering) and operational (transactional and tactical services) capacity Additional experience gained within a HR specialism (Resourcing, L&D, Compensation & Benefits, Employee Relations) is advantageous Able to achieve whilst working independently from functional support Experience in the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry is advantageous Comfortable operating at an operational (transactional and tactical) level, thinks strategically when needed and able to develop, evaluate and execute plans to support achievement of mid to longer term objectives Comfortable implementing and managing multiple projects across balancing conflicting priorities and challenging deadlines Results driven and comfortable working with ambiguity in fast changing environments Strong assessment, influencing, coaching, consultation, facilitation and presentation skills Previous People Management experience is advantageous Fluent in English language

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The pharmaceutical industry is experiencing increased regulatory scrutiny and compliance requirements, particularly in Europe, making HR professionals with pharmaceutical experience highly valuable as they understand the unique challenges of managing talent in heavily regulated environments. This trend is driving demand for HR professionals who can navigate complex employment law while maintaining operational efficiency in pharmaceutical manufacturing and research facilities. There is a growing emphasis on employee wellbeing and mental health initiatives in the pharmaceutical sector, partly driven by the high-stress nature of drug development and manufacturing. Companies are investing significantly in wellbeing programs, making roles that combine traditional HR functions with wellbeing leadership increasingly important and well-compensated. The pharmaceutical industry is undergoing significant digital transformation and organizational restructuring, creating demand for HR professionals skilled in change management and organizational design. This is particularly relevant for established pharmaceutical companies like Mallinckrodt that are adapting their operational models to remain competitive in evolving markets. Brexit and ongoing EU regulatory changes have created complexity in managing international HR operations, particularly for companies with operations in both Ireland and other jurisdictions. This has increased the value of HR professionals who can manage cross-border employment issues and provide guidance on local versus international compliance requirements.

Role Significance

The role involves leading the Dublin Wellbeing Team and collaborating with various HR specialists including International HR Generalists, HR Operations, Talent Acquisition, and Compensation & Benefits teams. The position likely coordinates with 8-12 HR professionals across different functions while having direct management responsibility for 2-4 wellbeing team members.

This is a mid-to-senior level individual contributor role with significant strategic influence. While not managing a large team, the position operates at executive level through participation in leadership meetings and direct advisory relationships with senior business leaders. The role combines strategic business partnering with operational oversight, indicating substantial organizational trust and decision-making authority.

Key Projects

Leading organizational restructuring initiatives and change management programs that align with business strategy and operational efficiency goals, particularly in the context of pharmaceutical regulatory requirements and manufacturing excellence standards Implementing comprehensive employee engagement and culture transformation initiatives that address the unique challenges of pharmaceutical work environments, including high-pressure deadlines, regulatory compliance stress, and the critical nature of product quality and safety Managing complex talent acquisition and retention strategies for specialized pharmaceutical roles, including developing succession planning for critical positions in manufacturing, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, and research functions Executing annual compensation and performance management cycles that align with both corporate guidelines and local Irish employment regulations, ensuring competitive positioning in the European pharmaceutical talent market

Success Factors

Deep understanding of pharmaceutical industry regulations and their impact on HR practices, including knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements, regulatory compliance training needs, and the specialized skill sets required for pharmaceutical manufacturing and quality roles Exceptional relationship management and influencing skills to work effectively in a matrixed organization where success depends on collaboration with US-based functional partners, local Irish leadership, and various centers of excellence without direct authority over many stakeholders Strategic thinking combined with operational excellence, as the role requires both high-level business partnering with senior leaders and hands-on execution of HR programs, investigations, and compliance activities Cultural sensitivity and change management expertise to navigate the complexities of working in an international organization with US corporate headquarters while managing local Irish employment requirements and cultural expectations Strong analytical and data interpretation skills to compile meaningful HR metrics and insights that inform business decisions, particularly around talent management, organizational effectiveness, and employee engagement in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment

Market Demand

High demand. The combination of pharmaceutical industry experience requirements, business partnering expertise, and Irish employment law knowledge creates a relatively specialized candidate pool. The post-Brexit regulatory environment and Ireland's position as a European hub for pharmaceutical operations has increased demand for experienced HR professionals in this sector.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Business partnering and strategic consultation skills are absolutely essential as the role requires direct collaboration with senior leaders to align HR initiatives with business strategy, particularly in the complex pharmaceutical regulatory environment where HR decisions can have significant compliance and operational implications Change management and organizational design expertise is critical given the pharmaceutical industry's ongoing transformation and the role's responsibility for leading restructuring initiatives, cultural development, and organizational effectiveness programs Pharmaceutical industry knowledge and regulatory understanding is vital for success, as the unique compliance requirements, specialized roles, and regulatory scrutiny in pharmaceutical manufacturing create HR challenges that require industry-specific expertise Cross-cultural and international collaboration skills are essential for effectively working in a matrixed organization with US-based partners while managing local Irish requirements, requiring the ability to navigate different business cultures and regulatory frameworks

Beneficial Skills

Project management and program implementation skills would be highly valuable given the role's responsibility for managing multiple HR initiatives simultaneously while balancing competing priorities and tight deadlines in a fast-paced pharmaceutical environment Data analytics and HR metrics expertise would enhance effectiveness in compiling and analyzing HR data to provide meaningful business insights, particularly around talent management, engagement, and organizational effectiveness measures Employee relations and investigation skills would be advantageous for managing complex workplace issues in a pharmaceutical environment where regulatory compliance and workplace safety are paramount concerns Coaching and leadership development capabilities would add significant value given the role's responsibility for enhancing leadership capabilities across the organization and supporting manager effectiveness in a technical, regulated industry

Unique Aspects

The maternity cover nature provides an excellent opportunity for career acceleration as the role offers immediate access to senior-level responsibilities and executive visibility that might typically require longer tenure to achieve in permanent positions

The dual focus on Specialty Brands and Corporate functions creates unique exposure to both commercial pharmaceutical operations and corporate strategic activities, providing broader business understanding than typical site-based HR roles

The combination of wellbeing team leadership with traditional HR business partnering responsibilities reflects the evolving nature of HR roles in pharmaceutical companies, where employee wellbeing is increasingly recognized as critical to operational excellence and compliance

The requirement to guide US-based functional HR Business Partners on local Irish requirements positions this role as a subject matter expert and thought leader, creating valuable expertise in international pharmaceutical HR operations

Career Growth

Career progression to senior roles typically occurs within 2-3 years given the strategic nature of this business partner role and the specialized pharmaceutical industry experience gained. Movement to director-level positions usually takes 4-6 years, particularly with the international experience and change management expertise developed in this role.

Potential Next Roles

Senior HR Business Partner roles with expanded geographical or functional scope, potentially covering multiple European sites or taking on additional business units within pharmaceutical organizations HR Director positions at pharmaceutical or healthcare companies, particularly roles focused on European operations, manufacturing sites, or specialty pharmaceutical brands Regional HR Manager roles covering Ireland and UK or broader European territories for multinational pharmaceutical or life sciences companies Functional HR leadership positions such as Director of Talent Management, Director of Employee Relations, or Director of Organizational Development within pharmaceutical companies

Company Overview

Mallinckrodt

Mallinckrodt is a global specialty pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures, and distributes specialty pharmaceutical products and medical imaging agents. The company has a significant focus on hospital and specialty products, with operations spanning multiple countries including substantial manufacturing and development facilities in Ireland.

Mallinckrodt operates as a mid-tier specialty pharmaceutical company with a strong presence in niche therapeutic areas and hospital products. The company has faced various regulatory and financial challenges in recent years but maintains important market positions in specialty pharmaceuticals and medical imaging, making it a significant player in the Irish pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.

The Dublin site represents a strategically important European hub for Mallinckrodt, housing both Specialty Brands operations and Corporate functions. This dual role makes the HR position particularly valuable as it involves supporting both operational manufacturing activities and corporate strategic functions, providing exposure to the full spectrum of pharmaceutical business operations.

The work environment likely emphasizes regulatory compliance, quality excellence, and cross-functional collaboration typical of pharmaceutical manufacturing organizations. The matrixed structure with US-based functional partners suggests a culture that values global collaboration, while the focus on wellbeing initiatives indicates attention to employee engagement and work-life balance.

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HR Business Partner (Maternity cover, 12 months) - Job Opportunity at Mallinckrodt

Benefits

Key Responsibilities

Requirements

Education

Experience

Required Skills

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Role Significance

Key Projects

Success Factors

Market Demand

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Beneficial Skills

Unique Aspects

Career Growth

Potential Next Roles

Company Overview

Mallinckrodt

Data Sources & Analysis Information

Job Listings Data

Sauge AI Market Intelligence