People & Culture Manager

People & Culture Manager

Newtown Park Hotel

Wexford

Be the Person Behind Great People Experiences

At Newtown Park Hotel, we believe exceptional hospitality starts with exceptional people.

We're looking for an experienced People & Culture Manager who is passionate about creating an outstanding team member experience, developing great leaders, and helping our teams thrive. This is not a role for someone who simply wants to maintain the status quo. We are seeking a people professional who is forward-thinking, values-driven, commercially aware, and courageous enough to challenge constructively when necessary.

You'll be a trusted advisor to leaders, a champion for our people, and a key contributor to building a workplace culture where individuals feel supported, respected and inspired to do their best work. If you're energised by helping people grow, enjoy finding creative solutions to people challenges, and believe in doing the right thing even when it's difficult, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Role

Reporting to the General Manager and working closely with the Group People & Culture team, you will lead all aspects of the people agenda within the hotel.

This is a hands-on leadership role that combines operational HR expertise with strategic thinking. You'll support managers, coach leaders, strengthen employee engagement, drive talent development and ensure best practice across all areas of employment.

However, this role is far more than HR administration and compliance. We believe the most effective People & Culture leaders are highly visible within the business, actively engaged with their teams, and deeply connected to the day-to-day operation of the hotel. This is not a role that can be performed solely from behind a desk. We are looking for someone who is present, approachable and invested in understanding the realities of the operation. You'll spend time in departments, build meaningful relationships with team members and managers, and gain first-hand insight into the challenges and opportunities faced across the business.

Success in this role requires a genuine passion for people. You'll be expected to regularly walk the hotel, engage with teams across all departments, be visible and accessible, and create strong relationships built on trust and credibility. Whether it's supporting a manager through a people challenge, welcoming a new team member, recognising achievements, or providing guidance during busy periods, you'll be an active presence within the operation.

At Newtown Park Hotel, we believe culture is created through everyday interactions, not policies alone. The successful candidate will be someone who is comfortable rolling up their sleeves, getting into the trenches when required, and leading by example through visibility, engagement and action.

What You'll Be Doing

People & Culture

- Champion a positive, inclusive and engaging workplace culture.

- Support managers in building high-performing teams.

- Lead employee engagement and wellbeing initiatives.

- Foster an environment where people feel heard, valued and respected.

- Maintain a visible and approachable presence throughout the hotel, building strong connections with team members across all departments.

- Regularly engage with teams on the floor to understand challenges, recognise successes and identify opportunities for improvement.

Leadership Support

- Act as a trusted coach and advisor to managers.

- Build leadership capability through coaching, development and guidance.

- Support managers in navigating complex people matters with confidence and fairness.

- Help leaders create engaged, high-performing and values-led teams.

Talent & Development

- Lead recruitment and onboarding activities.

- Create development opportunities that help people realise their potential.

- Support succession planning and talent retention initiatives.

- Identify learning and development needs across the business.

Employee Relations

- Manage employee relations matters in line with company policies and employment legislation.

- Promote positive employee relations through open communication and proactive problem-solving.

- Ensure fair, consistent and legally compliant practices.

HR Operations & Compliance

- Maintain compliance with Irish employment legislation and HR best practice.

- Monitor HR metrics and provide meaningful insights to support decision-making.

- Maintain accurate HR documentation and records.

- Contribute to continuous improvement across HR processes and systems.

About You

Essential

- Degree or professional qualification in Human Resources, Employment Law, Business or a related discipline.

- CIPD qualification or working towards membership is desirable.

- Minimum 3-5 years' experience in an HR management or senior HR advisory role.

- Strong knowledge of Irish employment legislation and HR best practice.

- Experience supporting managers across a broad range of people matters.

- Excellent communication, coaching and relationship-building skills.

- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced hospitality environment where visibility, accessibility and relationship building are essential to success.

You'll Thrive in This Role If You:

- Lead with empathy while maintaining professional objectivity.

- Have the courage to challenge constructively and respectfully.

- Are naturally curious and open to new ideas and approaches.

- Enjoy solving problems and finding practical solutions.

- Build trust quickly and communicate with authenticity.

- Have a genuine passion for helping people succeed.

- Believe culture is created through everyday actions, not just policies.

- Are comfortable balancing people needs with business objectives.

- Take ownership and follow through on commitments.

- Enjoy being visible within the business and building relationships at all levels.

- Prefer spending time with teams and managers rather than sitting behind a desk all day.

- Understand that the best people solutions come from being close to the operation and its people.