HR Director, International HQ

Position Summary:

Zoetis is seeking an agile HR leader to take on the role of Human Resources Director supporting our Cherrywood site and the diverse set of global functions located there, including Global Manufacturing & Supply (GMS), Commercial, and Enabling Functions leaders; and overseeing GMS HR support across the European site network.

The role will also act as the HRBP to the Pharma/API Europe Manufacturing Platform leader, who has responsibility for manufacturing sites in Ireland, Spain, Italy, and Norway. The HRBP’s supporting these sites will report to this role (except Norway - dotted line report). This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the people agenda for Zoetis in Ireland’s central hub for strategic functions and across Europe for GMS, acting as a trusted thought partner to senior leaders while driving world-class HR execution on the ground.

This is a high-impact, highly matrixed role, embedded in a dynamic business environment. The role collaborates closely with global and functional HR leaders (e.g. Finance, Legal, Commercial, Tech & Digital, and Global Manufacturing & Supply [GMS]) to bring enterprise-wide strategies to life—positioning Cherrywood as a flagship for talent, culture, and capability.

This individual will influence organizational evolution, talent development, and cultural transformation across Cherrywood and Ireland-wide HR operations.

Key Responsibilities:

🔹 Strategic HR Business Partnership

• Act as the primary HR partner for Cherrywood’s senior functional leaders, driving the execution of integrated people strategies that align with global, regional, and local business priorities.
• As overall lead for Ireland, lead all HR activities across the country.
• Set the HR strategy for the country – aligned with corporate - and for the Pharma Platform in Europe.
• Shape and influence talent agendas, workforce planning, and organizational effectiveness in partnership with functional and site leadership.
• Lead organizational design and change initiatives across supported functions, ensuring scalable structures and agile ways of working.
• Champion Zoetis’ culture, well-being, and colleague experience across the Cherrywood site.
• Serve as the key local HR liaison for global functional leaders, ensuring seamless alignment and delivery of enterprise-wide programs.
• Collaborate closely with global and international HR teams to localize and implement strategic initiatives with consistency and cultural relevance.

🔹 Talent Acquisition & Management

• Oversee full-cycle recruitment for Cherrywood roles in partnership with Talent Acquisition Coordinator.
• Collaborate with preferred vendors for critical searches and ensure a robust talent pipeline.
• Guide workforce planning, succession management, and talent calibration discussions for local leaders, in support of functional HR Leaders.
• Manage onboarding, performance management, and colleague development processes.

🔹 HR Operations

• In partnership with the Ireland team, and supporting global initiatives as needed, drive improvements in HR Operations aligned to the global HR priorities.

🔹 Leadership & Team Development

• Facilitate leadership development and coaching programs for functional leads as needed.
• Represent HR at the Cherrywood site-level leadership forums and contribute to cross-functional initiatives.

🔹 Compliance & Employee Relations

• Ensure compliance with local labor laws and Zoetis HR policies.
• Manage complex employee relations matters and act as escalation point for supported teams.
• Partner with global and regional HR to administer benefits and compensation plans.

Candidate Profile:

🔹 Education & Experience

• Degree in HRM, Business, or related discipline; CIPD membership preferred.
• 10+ years HR experience with at least 3–5 years at HR Director level or equivalent. Experience working across multiple countries and functions is essential.
• Must have experience working within a manufacturing environment and experience with works councils and unions.
• Strong experience supporting corporate functions (e.g., finance, legal, tech, Commercial, Global Manufacturing & Supply) and proven success in key HR disciplines i.e. Talent, Recruitment or HR Operations, in addition to a strong track record as a strategic HR business partner.
• Proven success operating within a highly matrixed, multinational environment.
• Proven experience of HR team management alongside growing and developing team members

🔹 Skills & Competencies

• Strategic thinker with a hands-on, pragmatic style.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and partner cross-functionally. and build excellence relationship within HR and across the business.
• Strong leadership presence and ability to lead teams at a senior level  through change.
• Proven Excellent communication and interpersonal skills at all levels within the company.
• Comfortable managing ambiguity and driving alignment in complex structures.
• Strong business acumen alongside financial savvy and budget management.

Full time

Legal statement as below

This job advert indicates the general nature and level of work expected.  It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities or responsibilities required of the incumbent.  Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.  Additional position specific requirements/responsibilities are contained in approved training curricula. 

Visa status re must be eligible to work and live in Ireland as below

Colleague must be legally eligible to live and work in Ireland.

Summary of our Benefits

In addition, to being part the world leading animal health company focused on the needs of those who raise and care for animals we offer a range of benefits such as competitive salary, bonus, 25.5 days holiday per annum plus public holidays,  a defined contributory pension plan, private medical insurance for you and your family and empowered flexible working, to name a few. Please note that the benefits outlined are subject to change based on organization decision.