Interim People Partner (Fixed-Term Contract until March 2027)

About Astellas

Astellas Pharma is a global life sciences organization dedicated to transforming innovative scientific advancements into valuable treatments for patients. Their focus spans areas such as oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology, and women's health. Their research and development efforts aim to address diseases with significant unmet clinical needs.

Position Overview

We are seeking an Interim People Partner on a fixed-term contract until March 2027, based at our Killorglin plant in County Kerry, Ireland. This role involves hybrid working arrangements and full-time commitment.

Role Purpose and Responsibilities

The People Operations Partner delivers comprehensive multi-country case management support escalated from the HR Service Delivery Team, providing policy expertise and generalist HR guidance to leaders, managers, and associates. Key duties include resolving employee relations matters, advising on HR policies, managing casework such as performance, disciplinary, grievance and sickness absence processes, executing business change initiatives and cyclical HR workflows in partnership with Global HR Business Partners and Centres of Excellence, while ensuring legal compliance and insightful data reporting.

Key Accountabilities

• Deliver legally compliant, sound advice relating to case management issues for managers and employees.
• Manage all aspects of employee relations cases including underperformance, disciplinary actions, grievance, cross-border matters, and sickness absences.
• Lead and collaborate on a portfolio of business change and in-country HR projects with HR Business Partners.
• Support the execution of talent, rewards, and other cyclical HR processes alongside HR Business Partners and Centres of Excellence.
• Stay current with employment law and identify legal or compliance risks, partnering with Employee Relations teams to mitigate them.
• Monitor case management trends to proactively address issues and escalate complex cases when necessary.
• Work collaboratively with broader HR project teams to ensure delivery and continuous improvement.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Proven expertise in employment law application and employee case management from intake through resolution.
• Strong abilities to collaborate authentically and transparently in alignment with company values.
• Experience partnering with cross-functional stakeholders at varied organizational levels.
• Analytical mindset with sound judgment regarding policies, risks, and practices.
• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills to build trust and aid decision-making.
• Self-motivated with capability to independently manage complex workloads.
• Broad HR functional experience including compensation, benefits, performance management, process design, transaction support, and employee administration.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement practices.
• Proficient in MS Office applications including Outlook.
• Comprehensive understanding of the employee lifecycle.

Work Environment and Culture

• Collaborate globally within a connected community focused on patient betterment.
• Contribute to developing therapies impacting patients worldwide.
• Engage in a culture encouraging innovation, accountability, impact, and a strong sense of urgency.
• Enjoy a workplace supporting growth, progression, and a shared sense of responsibility.

Additional Information

Astellas values equal opportunity and diversity, welcoming applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin or other protected characteristics. Candidates should beware of recruitment scams impersonating Astellas representatives; genuine outreach only occurs via official company emails or verified profiles.