HR Manager

JOB PURPOSE

As the leader of the HR function, the HR Manager (HRM) will drive a proactive and people-first approach to Human Resources, with a strong focus on Industrial Relations. The HRM needs to play a key role in creating a stable, fair, and compliant workplace by building strong relationships with unions, navigating complex employee matters, and ensuring alignment with employment legislation.

The HRM needs to champion a clear and effective internal communication, helping to ensure that employees are informed, engaged, and aligned with organisational priorities and values.

This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on delivery—supporting everything from recruitment and workforce planning to performance management and day-to-day HR operations. The HRM will act as a trusted advisor to leadership, helping shape a positive workplace culture while safeguarding the organisation’s interests.

AUTHORITY

• Act as the organisation’s key representative in union engagement, negotiations, and dispute resolution.

• Lead disciplinary and grievance processes with a focus on fairness, consistency, and transparency.

• Shape and implement HR policies and practices that support both compliance and a positive employee experience.

• Drive recruitment and workforce planning decisions in line with business needs and budgets.

• Partner with management and COs to provide practical, forward-thinking advice on employment law, industrial relations, and people strategy.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIP

Internal:

• Senior Management

• Department Managers and their reporting lines

• Payroll / Finance

• Health & Safety

• Employees across all levels

• Shop Stewards and Employee Representatives

External:

• Unions and Industrial Relations bodies

• DIER and other regulatory authorities

• Recruitment agencies and training providers

• Legal advisors

• HR consultants and external auditors

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of Maltese employment law, WROs, DIER processes, and collective agreements.

• In-depth knowledge of industrial relations practices, union dynamics, and negotiation strategies.

• Solid grounding in HR management, including performance systems, training, HRIS, and policy development.

• Familiarity with recruitment best practices and employer branding.

• Manages and takes full accountability for the annual HR operational, recruitment, and training budgets.

• Good understanding of long-term injury/sickness management and its alignment with Occupational Health & Safety (OHSA) compliance.

Skills

• Negotiation and conflict resolution — able to manage union interactions and de-escalate disputes.

• Communication — clear, assertive, and diplomatic with all levels of staff.

• Decision-making — confident in handling sensitive and high-impact HR matters.

• Documentation discipline — meticulous record-keeping for IR and legal compliance.

• Interviewing and talent assessment — structured and competency-based.

• Leadership — able to influence managers and build trust with employees.

• Organisation and planning — able to manage multiple HR processes simultaneously.

• Data & KPI Driven – able to measure HR governance improvements.

• Absence management – able to design and execute absence management frameworks and retention strategies for high-volume workforces

Experience

• 5–10+ years in HR, with at least 3–5 years in an IR-heavy, unionised environment.

• Proven track record handling disciplinary cases, grievances, and collective negotiations.

• Experience representing the company in conciliation or tribunal settings.

• Background in manufacturing, logistics, industrial, or similar operational sectors (ideal).

• Demonstrated ability to manage recruitment cycles and workforce planning and experience in overseeing high-volume talent acquisition strategies and workforce planning.

• Experience developing and implementing HR policies and compliance frameworks.

• Experience managing HR operations within a multi-shift manufacturing environment.

We have entrusted Mdina Partners to handle applications on our behalf. Your CV will not be recorded in their database and will be treated in the strictest confidence for the purpose of this vacancy.