Get To Know Us

Brightwater Executive has established itself as one of Ireland’s leading Executive Search companies that has earned the reputation of providing steadfast support to senior executives who are navigating their next transition or striving to define their next career move.

Through our network and extensive database which we have cultivated for over 20 years in the Irish and International markets, we’ve successfully and continually forged genuine relationships with a wide range of senior talent and clients across all growth sectors.

Read More

What We Do

We specialise in providing:

  • Executive Search C-Suite, Director and Head of Function roles
  • Independent salary benchmarking
  • Independent interview panellists
  • INED & Chair search
  • Executive interview coaching and CV preparation
  • Interim assignments

Our Commitments

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion is at the core of our everyday conversations for our clients, candidates and
our own team. No search process is or ever can be the same and
we treat each assignment with the 100% commitment and focus it deserves.

Current Opportunities

Back to all jobs

Head of People and Culture

Ref: 78633

  • Highly Competitive Remuneration Package and Bens
  • 28 Jul 2025
  • Dublin (West)
  • Permanent

Job Title

Head of People and Culture

Brightwater Executive is delighted to be retained exclusively by our client, Re-turn, in their search for a Head of People and Culture.

About the Company

Re-turn is at the heart of one of Ireland’s most impactful environmental initiatives — the national Deposit Return Scheme. Since its launch in 2024, the organisation has enabled the return of over 1 billion bottles and cans, significantly reduced litter, and empowered communities to take real climate action. Backed by major industry stakeholders and driven by a not-for-profit mission, Re-turn is building a cleaner, more sustainable Ireland — and the journey is only beginning. This is an exciting opportunity to join a purpose-led team shaping the future of circular living. 

About the Position

Reporting to the Chief Executive, the Head of People and Culture will lead the development and delivery of a people strategy that supports its mission and growth. This role will shape a customer-centric, data-driven culture, while overseeing all HR functions including recruitment, performance, engagement, and compliance. 

Key Responsibilities

  • HR Strategy & Leadership: Shape and deliver HR strategies that align with business goals and foster a high-performance, people-first culture. Act as a trusted advisor to leadership.
  • Talent Acquisition & Onboarding: Drive end-to-end recruitment and design effective onboarding to attract and retain top talent.
  • Employee Relations & Compliance: Manage employee relations with fairness and integrity, ensuring compliance with Irish employment law and HR best practices.
  • Performance & Development: Lead performance management and learning initiatives that support continuous improvement and career development.
  • Compensation & Benefits: Oversee payroll liaison, reward structures, and benefits programmes to ensure competitiveness and compliance.
  • HR Operations: Ensure efficient day-to-day HR operations, maintain accurate records, and provide insights through reporting and metrics.
  • Change & Organisational Development: Support ongoing HR projects, policy development, and change management initiatives.

Experience/Requirements

  • A third-level degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. A postgraduate qualification or CIPD certification is a significant advantage.
  • Proven track record of progressive HR experience, with at least 3 years in an HR leadership or standalone management role within an Irish context.
  • In-depth knowledge of Irish employment law and HR best practices 
  • Excellent interpersonal and relationship skills, adept at managing through influence, with the ability to interact effectively with multiple stakeholders across the business and at various levels within the organisation.
  • Proven ability to provide valued consultation, build partnerships, coach and influence leaders and managers, playing the role of trusted advisor.
  • Demonstrate a passion for HR and proven experience of adding value and driving change through progressive HR initiatives.
  • Familiarity with the environmental or waste management sector is a distinct advantage.

Remuneration Package

Highly Competitive Remuneration Package and Bens

Contact

For more information and/ or  a confidential discussion on this Head of People and Culture opportunity, please send your CV to Yvonne McNulty at Brightwater Executive on [email protected]

To view all live jobs with Brightwater Executive and market insights, please visit our website; www.brightwaterexecutive.com 

image1_10

Client Partner Service

We match the best talent in the market for your
business.

Our Executive Search team are continuously connecting, building talent networks, and outlining individual talent information that will be able to provide you with the necessary insight into the skills, background motivations, and expectations of talent to properly assess and profile them.

We take the time to understand your organisational needs and can get a clear overview of the business, the organisational structure, the company values, goals, and culture. It is through this process that we can truly endorse talent who have the required skills, background, and experience, for your company.

We have a depth of over 20 years' experience supporting our clients both locally and Internationally with their senior talent strategies. We're proud that our clients see us as an extension of their team and successfully work with them throughout their key milestones of change, be it undergoing Organisational Restruction, Succession Planning, Digital Transformation or Scaling For Growth.

What Our Clients Say

Our Client Network

For over 20 years we have had the privilege to work and understand the talent needs of a wide and diverse client base. We work with our client Partners to build a bespoke executive search strategy that is right for you, is transparent and led by data driven insights to ensure your senior hire is the right fit for your organisation. Our client partners return to us because we have built a reliable reputation in gaining their trust and delivering what they need in a robust and timely way.

We’re Here To Help You.

We connect talented people with great companies. Join our network today.

Join Our Network

Industries Served

  • Consumer Markets (B2B and B2C)
  • Technology & Telecommunications
  • Financial Services

    Fintech / Payments | Banking | Insurance |
    Asset Management | Aviation Leasing

  • Public Sector, Not For Profit
  • Life Sciences & Healthcare
  • Professional Services
  • Industrial

    Supply Chain | Manufacturing | Utilities |
    Renewables

industry-image_03
left-image_38

Salary Survey 2023

Today’s CEO and C-Suite executive teams are business leaders, mentors and advisors. Unique challenges include ESG, diversity and talent retention. Their pay reflects the needs of the business and their wider remits so each organisation has a different executive compensation programme. Our Salary Guide for leadership in 2023 reflects a wide range of pay across a broad diverse of sectors and organisations. If you need further clarification on any of the salaries in our guide, please contact [email protected]

Download Salary Survey

Latest Blog

  • Apr 24, 2024

    Why a Lateral Move Might Be Your Career “Power Play"

    Why go sideways when the traditional path is "up"? Sometimes lateral moves are your career's best secret weapon!

    Read More
  • Dec 28, 2023

    Microeconomic effects of the Work-from-home evolution

    From house prices to pension funds, the evolution of WFH policies has had far-reaching effects.

    Read More
  • Oct 12, 2023

    2023 - A Challenging Year for M&A Activity

    We look at the M&A activity across Ireland and how regulatory changes, sector challenges, economic uncertainities and a focus on sustainability have had an impact.

    Read More
getin

Get In Touch

Contact us to today to discover the difference a relationship with Brightwater Executive can make to your professional life.