Principal Human Resources Lead, Europe

At Advarra, we are passionate about making a difference in the world of clinical research and advancing human health. With a rich history rooted in ethical review services combined with innovative technology solutions and deep industry expertise, we are at the forefront of industry change. A market leader and pioneer, Advarra breaks the silos that impede clinical research, aligning patients, sites, sponsors, and CROs in a connected ecosystem to accelerate trials.

Our employees are the heart of Advarra. They are the key to our success and the driving force behind our mission and vision. Our values (Patient-Centric, Ethical, Quality Focused, Collaborative) guide our actions and decisions. Knowing the impact of our work on trial participants and patients, we act with urgency and purpose to advance clinical research so that people can live happier, healthier lives.

At Advarra, we seek to foster an inclusive and collaborative environment where everyone is treated with respect and diverse perspectives are embraced. Treating one another, our clients, and clinical trial participants with empathy and care are key tenets of our culture at Advarra; we are committed to creating a workplace where each employee is not only valued but empowered to thrive and make a meaningful impact.

The Principal HR Business Partner (EU) is the primary HR leader for the company’s European employee population, with a strong focus on Ireland and additional support across the UK and France. This senior individual contributor role is responsible for driving strategic HR initiatives, advising business leaders, and ensuring effective execution of people strategies across the region. This role also oversees core HR operations including onboarding, offboarding, payroll support, benefits, and compliance.

The role combines strategic partnership with hands-on execution, requiring deep expertise in European employment practices, particularly Irish labor law, along with the ability to operate autonomously in a lean regional structure. The position collaborates with HR business partners globally, Talent Acquisition, and leadership teams to deliver scalable HR programs that support growth and performance.

• HR Operations & Service Delivery
• Oversee execution of end-to-end employee lifecycle process, including onboarding, employee changes, and offboarding, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance.
  • Maintain accurate HR systems, employee records, and job documentation.
• Act as escalation point for complex operational issues, ensuring timely and compliant resolution.
  • Own and ensure the integrity of all core HR operations for the European population, with primary accountability for Ireland and oversight for UK and France.
• Lead and continuously improve HR operational frameworks, ensuring scalable, efficient, and compliant processes across the region.
• Drive standardization and optimization of HR processes and systems, aligning global practices with local regulatory requirements.
• Act as the primary point of accountability for regional HR operations, partnering with global COE’s and external vendors.
• Collaborate with Payroll, Finance, and external providers to validate payroll outputs for accuracy and compliance including benefits, pensions, and statutory deductions.
• Lead benefits administration and renewals, ensuring competitive and compliant offerings aligned with market practices.
• Employment Compliance & Governance
• Ensure full compliance with Irish employment legislation (i.e. contracts, working time, leave policies, terminations), while coordinating with in-country experts or advisors.
• Maintain and continuously improve locally compliant employment documentation, including contracts, policy frameworks, employee handbooks and statutory notices.
• Monitor and interpret changes in employment legislation; proactively collaborate with HR Ops COE to advise stakeholders on impact and proactively update policies.
• Partner with legal and external counsel to manage high-risk compliance matters.
• Manage and coordinate responses to audits, inspections, or regulatory inquiries, including maintaining required documentation and records.
• Provide guidance on and ensure adherence to working time regulations, leave entitlements (annual leave, sick leave, parental leave), and statutory benefits across jurisdictions.
• Process, Controls & Continuous Improvement
• Drive continuous improvement and standardization of HR processes and systems, ensuring alignment with global practices while meeting local requirements.
  • Ensure alignment with country-specific requirements while maintaining global consistency.

• Strategic Partnership with Leadership
  • Act as a trusted advisor to business leaders, providing guidance on organizational design, workforce planning, and talent strategy.
  • Align HR initiatives with business objectives to support growth and operational effectiveness.
  • Support compensation planning including salary reviews, bonus structures, and commission frameworks (where necessary).
• Talent Management & Development
  • Partner with leadership to identify talent gaps and develop succession planning strategies.
  • Support and drive performance management processes, including goal setting, reviews, and development planning.
  • Coach managers on employee development, engagement, and retention strategies.
• Change Management & Transformation
  • Support business transformation initiatives by leading or co-leading change management efforts across European teams.
  • Act as a change agent to drive adoption of new HR programs, systems, and organizational changes.
  • Assist with the maintenance and updating of country-specific policies, handbooks, and intranet resources.
• Employee Relations & Compliance
  • Lead and manage complex employee relations matters across Ireland, with support for UK and France, as needed.
  • Ensure compliance with local labor laws, policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with legal and external advisors, where necessary, on sensitive or high-risk issues.

This role is open to candidates based in Ireland who are able to work in a hybrid capacity from our Limerick office.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• 7-10+ years of progressive HR experience.
• Demonstrated experience in both HR operations and HR business partner roles.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to influence senior leaders.
• Proven ability to balance operational execution with strategic HR partnerships.
• Expertise in employee relations, employment law, and HR best practices.
• Excellent communication, coaching, and stakeholder management skills.

• Experience supporting international or multi-country workforces.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working in matrixed, geographically distributed organizations.

• Sit or stand for extended periods of time at stationary workstation
• Regularly carry, raise, and lower objects of up to 10 Lbs.
• Learn and comprehend basic instructions
• Focus and attention to tasks and responsibilities
• Verbal communication; listening and understanding, responding, and speaking

Advarra is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identify), national origin, age, disability or genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.