HR Generalist
About the job
- A third-level qualification in Human Resources, Business or a related discipline.
- A minimum of 2 years’ experience in an HR Generalist, HR Officer, HR Coordinator or similar HR role.
- Strong knowledge of Irish employment law, HR best practice and General Data Protection Regulation requirements.
- Experience supporting recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, absence management and HR administration.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Experience with HR systems such as CoreHR or PeopleXD and payroll administration is advantageous.
- Support day-to-day HR operations across the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, contracts, induction and offboarding.
- Provide HR support and guidance to managers and employees on employee relations, absence management, performance management, discipline and grievance processes.
- Assist with work permit administration and pre-employment checks for non-European Union recruitment where required.
- Prepare HR reports and workforce data relating to absence, turnover, annual leave and working time compliance.
- Support payroll administration and liaise with payroll and finance on pay-related matters.
- Support HR projects, employee engagement initiatives, graduate recruitment and ethical audit requirements.
- Experience with HR systems such as CoreHR or PeopleXD and payroll administration.
About the company
Dawn Meats supplies beef and lamb to major supermarkets, food service and restaurants and exports to over 70 countries, sourcing grass-fed cattle and lamb from about 30,000 British and Irish farmers and processing the meat in 11 Irish and 13 British plants. The company maintains close farming relationships to secure grass-fed animals, then processes and distributes the meat to global customers, guided by sustainability and quality in its operations. It differentiates itself through its family-owned, farming-heritage model, direct farmer sourcing, and a broad cross-border processing network, backed by awards for meat quality and environmental efforts. Its goal is to deliver high-quality, sustainable meat products worldwide by strengthening farmer partnerships, maintaining rigorous quality standards, and pursuing responsible growth.
Company Size
501-1,000
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Waterford, Ireland
Founded
1980
Get referred to Dawn Meats
See people who can refer or advise you
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- July 2026 Lidl promotion reached 26 countries, proving brand pull for Irish beef.
- Irish Wagyu launched in Canada in April 2026, expanding premium export channels.
- Dawn Meats' Germany acquisition strengthens local coordination and protects long-term customer relationships.
What critics are saying
- Alliance Group needed Dawn Meats capital after two years of losses and insolvency risk.
- Integration across Ireland, Britain, Germany, and New Zealand creates execution risk through 2026.
- A supply shock at Alliance or Dawn's plants would threaten export volumes and buyer confidence.
What makes Dawn Meats unique
- Dawn Meats hit €4.75 billion turnover in 2025, scaling across beef and lamb.
- Niall Browne controls Alliance Group, giving Dawn Meats southern-hemisphere supply and market access.
- Alexander Eyckeler acquisition deepens Germany distribution, linking producers directly to retail and foodservice customers.
Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?
Benefits
Flexible Work Hours
Company News
Awards prove that the best steaks come from Ireland. 16 September 2026 Ireland has once again been crowned the top-performing country at the World Steak Challenge, taking home a record-breaking 82 medals at this year's competition in Amsterdam. With 29 gold medals - the most of any nation - Ireland finished ahead of Australia (42 medals) and England (26 medals) to retain its position as the world's leading grass-fed beef producer. Tesco Ireland took the title of World's Best Grass-Fed Sirloin for its Angus Cross steak, supplied by ABP, while Lidl Ireland and Dawn Meats secured a consecutive World's Best title this time with its Grass-Fed Ribeye for the Aberdeen Angus Cross entry. The results cap another outstanding year for Irish beef on the international stage. Speaking after the awards ceremony in Amsterdam, Joe Burke, Bord Bia's Senior Manager for Meat and Livestock, said: "Once again, Ireland's grass-fed beef has been recognised as the best in the world.These results are testament to the dedication of our farmers and processors, and to the quality that comes from producing beef from pasture-based, sustainable systems under the Origin Green programme. For Tesco Ireland and Dawn Meats to take home category titles, in a year when Ireland secured the greatest medal haul of any country in the competition, underlines just how consistently Irish beef performs against the very best in the world. Ireland's World Steak Challenge successes are important because they convert into commercial gains for Irish exporters, and continue to open doors for Irish beef with customers and consumers internationally." Niall Browne, CEO of Dawn Meats said: "This is a brilliant result for Dawn Meats, Lidl and for the farming families who supply us. To be named World's Best Grass-Fed Ribeye for the second year running following on from our World's Best Steak success last year is a huge endorsement of the quality and consistency our teams work so hard to deliver, and it reflects the standard of grass-fed beef being produced across Ireland. Our Lidl Deluxe Angus ribeye is available to shoppers now, so people can taste for themselves why it's been recognised as the best in the world. I want to thank our farmers, our team at Dawn Meats, and the judges at the World Steak Challenge for this recognition." John Walsh, Commercial Director of ABP Food Group added, "This award is further recognition of the quality of Irish grass-fed beef and the dedication of the farmers who produce it. We are extremely proud to work with Tesco Ireland to bring this exceptional product to customers across the country. To have Tesco Finest Irish Striploin Steak recognised on the world stage is a significant achievement." Launched in 2015, the World Steak Challenge is regarded as an international benchmark for quality within the global steak industry. Thousands of steaks from 25 steak-producing countries have been assessed since the competition began through an independent judging process involving industry experts. After Ireland's 2025 World's Best Steak win, Lidl launched a €10 million Irish beef promotion across 26 European countries, featuring award-winning cuts from Dawn Meats and Liffey Meats and supported by Bord Bia's international office network - a model of how these titles open doors for Irish exporters. Discover more Business & Industrial Business Eye The awards were announced at a ceremony in Amsterdam, following a day of blind judging at Vlees & Co. steakhouse by a panel of more than 60 international experts, including Richie Wilson of Dublin's FIRE Steakhouse and Bar. A Senku Pure Wagyu Fillet from Australian producer Paradigm Foods was named the overall World's Best Steak. Elsewhere, ABP UK's Wagyu Cross Holstein fillet was named World's Best Grass-Fed Fillet and Europe's Best Steak, representing Northern Ireland. * By signing up you agree to receive the latest news and updates from Business Eye. You may opt out at any time.
Ireland tops the medal table at World Steak Challenge 2026. Journalist Published 15th Sep 2026, 17:19 BST Ireland has once again been crowned the top-performing country at the World Steak Challenge, taking home a record-breaking 82 medals at this year's competition in Amsterdam. With 29 gold medals - the most of any nation - Ireland finished ahead of Australia (42 medals) and England (26 medals) to retain its position as the world's leading grass-fed beef producer. Tesco Ireland took the title of World's Best Grass-Fed Sirloin for its Angus Cross steak, supplied by ABP, while Lidl Ireland and Dawn Meats secured a consecutive World's Best title this time with its Grass-Fed Ribeye for the Aberdeen Angus Cross entry. The results cap another outstanding year for Irish beef on the international stage. Speaking after the awards ceremony in Amsterdam, Joe Burke, Bord Bia's senior manager for meat and livestock, said: "Once again, Ireland's grass-fed beef has been recognised as the best in the world. These results are testament to the dedication of our farmers and processors, and to the quality that comes from producing beef from pasture-based, sustainable systems under the Origin Green programme. "For Tesco Ireland and Dawn Meats to take home category titles, in a year when Ireland secured the greatest medal haul of any country in the competition, underlines just how consistently Irish beef performs against the very best in the world. Ireland's World Steak Challenge successes are important because they convert into commercial gains for Irish exporters, and continue to open doors for Irish beef with customers and consumers internationally." Niall Browne, CEO of Dawn Meats said: "This is a brilliant result for Dawn Meats, Lidl and for the farming families who supply Farming Life. To be named World's Best Grass-Fed Ribeye for the second year running following on from its World's Best Steak success last year is a huge endorsement of the quality and consistency its teams work so hard to deliver, and it reflects the standard of grass-fed beef being produced across Ireland. "Our Lidl Deluxe Angus ribeye is available to shoppers now, so people can taste for themselves why it's been recognised as the best in the world. I want to thank our farmers, our team at Dawn Meats, and the judges at the World Steak Challenge for this recognition." John Walsh, commercial director of ABP Food Group added: "This award is further recognition of the quality of Irish grass-fed beef and the dedication of the farmers who produce it. We are extremely proud to work with Tesco Ireland to bring this exceptional product to customers across the country. To have Tesco Finest Irish Striploin Steak recognised on the world stage is a significant achievement." Launched in 2015, the World Steak Challenge is regarded as an international benchmark for quality within the global steak industry. Thousands of steaks from 25 steak-producing countries have been assessed since the competition began through an independent judging process involving industry experts. After Ireland's 2025 World's Best Steak win, Lidl launched a €10 million Irish beef promotion across 26 European countries, featuring award-winning cuts from Dawn Meats and Liffey Meats and supported by Bord Bia's international office network - a model of how these titles open doors for Irish exporters. The awards were announced at a ceremony in Amsterdam, following a day of blind judging at Vlees & Co steakhouse by a panel of more than 60 international experts, including Richie Wilson of Dublin's FIRE Steakhouse and Bar. A Senku Pure Wagyu Fillet from Australian producer Paradigm Foods was named the overall World's Best Steak. Elsewhere, ABP UK's Wagyu Cross Holstein fillet was named World's Best Grass-Fed Fillet and Europe's Best Steak, representing Northern Ireland.
Winners of the 2026 Meat Industry Awards revealed. 3 September 2026 The winners of the 2026 Meat Management Meat Industry Awards have been unveiled during an exclusive awards ceremony on the evening of Thursday 3rd September 2026 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole. The winners of the 2026 Meat Management Meat Industry Awards. Manufacturers, processors, supermarkets, industry suppliers, trade organisations, catering butchers, independent retailers and outstanding individuals were amongst those recognised across the various awards categories. Held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole on Thursday 3rd September, the awards ceremony and black-tie dinner highlighted the creativity, innovation and excellence of the UK's meat industry. TV Chaser and comedian Paul Sinha was the 2026 VIP host, presenting winners with their trophies and certificates. The coveted Excellence Award goes to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution the British and Irish meat industry, and this year Niall Browne, chief executive of Dawn Meats, was the recipient of the much coveted title. The much anticipated Young Manager of the Year category was won by Erin Wright of Myton Food Group, with A D Ringrose Butchers in Broughton Astley crowned as this year's Best Butchers Shop. Other award winners included Dovecote Park, which was unveiled as Manufacturer of the Year, as well as Marks & Spencer, winning the Supermarket/Multiple Meat Retailer of the Year title. A special Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Peter Allen, the chair of Aubrey Allen Ltd, and shortly to become Master of the Worshipful Company of Butchers for his work as a key figure and role model in the meat industry. The 2026 winners: The Catering Butcher Award - Fairfax Meadow Best Trade Organisation - British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) Best Equipment/Machinery Supplier - Handtmann Ltd Training Scheme of the Year - Craft Skills Scotland Young Manager of the Year - Erin Wright - Myton Food Group Britain's Best Butchers Shop - A D Ringrose Butchers (Broughton Astley, Leicestershire) Supermarket/Multiple Meat Retailer of the Year - Marks & Spencer Lifetime Achievement Award - Peter Allen Britain's Best Sausage - Co-op Irresistible 6 Pork Sausages - Pilgrim's Europe Britain's Best Burger - Tesco Finest Cherrywood Smoked Beef Aberdeen Angus Beef Burgers - Dunbia Britain's Best Meat Pie - 1lb Stilton Pork Pie - Owen Taylor & Sons Ltd Best Bacon Product - Denhay Smoked Back Bacon - Denhay Farms Ltd Best Free From Product - Aubrey Allen Pork Breakfast Sausage Best Charcuterie Product - Traditional Black Pudding - Martin Thomas Butchers Best Poultry Product - Lidl Deluxe Corn Fed Free Range British Whole Chicken Best Beef Product - M&S Collection British Wagyu Gold Ribeye Steak - ABP Best Pork/Pigmeat Product - Waitrose No.1 Slow Cooked Hot Smoked Sticky Pork Belly with Peach Barbecue Glaze - Pilgrim's Europe Best Lamb Product - Scotch Lamb Lollipops - Campbells Prime Meat Best Red Meat Product - M&S Collection Wagyu Ribeye Steak - ABP Manufacturer of the Year - Dovecote Park The Meat Management Excellence Award - Niall Browne, chief executive officer, Dawn Meats Graham Yandell MBE, publisher of Meat Management magazine, which organises the awards, commented: "Once again it has been fantastic to see the meat industry come together for these annual awards, and I know it has been an excellent evening for its guests. It is a real privilege to stage these awards each year and to host the ceremony, and I also extend my thanks to its valued partners who support this important initiative. "Keep an eye out for the comprehensive awards review coverage in the October edition of Meat Management magazine, which will include a full run-down of the night's winners and highly commended products in both the print edition and the online e-magazine. The message now is roll on 2027, which has already seen awards categories sold to partners eager to participate in next year's awards initiative."
Dawn Meats said the deal is part of its "ongoing integration" with New Zealand’s Alliance Group.
Alexander Eyckeler acquired by Dawn Meats. 12 May 2026 Red meat processor Dawn Meats has acquired Germany-based meat importer and distributor Alexander Eyckeler GmbH. Niall Browne, Dawn Meats CEO. The move follows Dawn Meats' acquisition of a 65% stake in Alliance Group, which is based in New Zealand. This is part of the company's ongoing integration with Alliance. Alexander Eyckeler GmbH is one of Alliance's largest customers for lamb, mutton and venison, supplying retail, foodservice and cash and carry markets across Germany. It imports, distributes and key account manages Alliance's Ashley lamb, mutton and venison brand, which has a dominant market share in Germany. Alexander Eyckeler GmbH is based in Erkrath, near Düsseldorf in Germany and has been involved in the importing and marketing of chilled and frozen meat specialities from overseas for more than 25 years. Alliance said its relationship with the Eyckeler family spans almost 40 years, beginning when the family established a butcher shop in Düsseldorf. Alexander Eyckeler, who died in 2025, established his firm more than 25 years ago. "[The acquisition] brings Dawn Meats closer to key customers in Germany and improves co-ordination across supply and logistics." Niall Browne, Dawn Meats Niall Browne, chief executive of Dawn Meats, commented: "This acquisition supports Dawn Meats' ongoing integration with Alliance and strengthens our ability to serve customers in-market. It brings Dawn Meats closer to key customers in Germany, improves co-ordination across supply and logistics and provides continuity for the Eyckeler team and its customers." Markus Wagner, managing director of Alexander Eyckeler GmbH, stated: "This development marks a new chapter in the company's long-standing partnership with Alliance Group and its parent company Dawn Meats. Meatup is confident that the trusted relationships built over decades with all its customers and suppliers will remain at the heart of Alexander Eyckeler GmbH's approach, with the current team continuing to manage key accounts and oversee daily operations. "Customers and partners can be assured that the core values of quality, service and continuity will remain unchanged, preserving the legacy established by Alexander Eyckeler and the Eyckeler family in the German market." James McWilliam, Alliance commercial director, said the Ashley brand had a "strong presence in Germany and a proud history" with customers across the market: "Alexander Eyckeler GmbH has played an important role in building that presence through long-standing relationships for decades." Promotional features. * Transforming the future of food Sponsored by JBT Marel The global meat industry continues to evolve rapidly, driven by the need for greater efficiency, consistency, sustainability and versatility. As processors navigate these challenges, JBT and Marel have combined forces to deliver even more value to the meat industry.