By Héloïse Chaudot 
Eimear O’Reilly leads the people strategy, talent development, and organisational culture agenda across one of Ireland’s leading builders’ merchants. With more than 25 years of experience in human resource management, she has a strong track record of building high-performing teams, developing leadership capability, and creating inclusive workplace cultures that support business growth.
What was your first job? My first job was in a local grocery shop, where I started working at the age of 16 while still in school. I worked weekends and school holidays, and it provided me with a great introduction to the world of work. It was a hands-on role that involved everything from unpacking deliveries and stocking shelves to serving customers and, memorably, learning to use a rather intimidating meat slicer, which I eventually mastered! At the time, earning my own money felt incredibly rewarding and gave me a real sense of independence. Looking back, it was an experience that taught me far more than just how to do the job. It gave me an early appreciation for customer service, a strong work ethic and the role that strong relationships play in creating a positive workplace. Many of those lessons have stayed with me throughout my career. What are your main priorities and goals in your current role? My main priority is to deliver a high-performing people strategy that enables Chadwicks Group to achieve its business objectives while preserving the strong, people-centred culture that is central to our success. I am focused on strengthening leadership capability across the Group, enhancing employee engagement and creating meaningful opportunities for colleagues to develop and thrive. I also champion diversity, equity, inclusion and ESG initiatives that support a positive and inclusive workplace. Above all, I work to ensure we have the talent, skills and organisational capability required to drive sustainable growth, improve performance and deliver great service to our customers. What pushed you to pursue a career in this field? It took me some time to find the career path that was right for me, and in many ways, I discovered Human Resources by chance. When I left school, career guidance for young women was far more limited than it is today, with secretarial work often presented as the primary professional option. Following that advice, I enrolled in a bilingual secretarial programme. A few years later, I joined Allianz Ireland as Personal Assistant to the HR Director, and that proved to be a pivotal moment in my career. It was my first real exposure to the world of Human Resources, and I was immediately drawn to the variety, the people focus, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within an organisation. I was fortunate to be mentored by the HR Director, Michael Carr, whose support and belief in my potential played a significant role in shaping my career. He gave me the opportunity to take on my first HR Business Partner role with responsibility across the island of Ireland—a challenge that pushed me beyond my comfort zone and accelerated my professional growth. From that point on, I knew I had found my calling, and I have never looked back. How do you motivate yourself and your team? I motivate myself and my team by connecting people to the bigger picture, not just the day-to-day tasks. When colleagues understand how their work and efforts contribute to our goals, values and success, they are more engaged and motivated. At Chadwicks Group, our culture is built on empowering our colleagues, ambition and valuing our people. I believe that when people feel trusted, informed and supported, they do their best work and help drive strong results for the business. In one sentence, how would you define success? Success, to me, is when people thrive, performance excels, and the business grows stronger while remaining firmly grounded in our values. How do you relax? Finding time to relax can be a challenge in itself, as life is busy and demanding. However, I make time for the things I enjoy most. I am an avid theatre enthusiast and a keen reader, both of which allow me to unwind and recharge. I also enjoy travelling whenever time permits, as I love exploring new places and cultures. Recently, I have taken up Pilates, which I am thoroughly enjoying. What is your favourite (non-business) book? It is difficult to choose one book when we have so many fantastic Irish authors. Anything by Jane Casey will grab my attention. I have recently finished a book entitled Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams, which I found to be fascinating. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Treat people as you would like to be treated yourself; relationships built on respect, trust, and empathy are the foundation of both personal and professional success. How do you handle adversity? I tend not to view situations through the lens of adversity. I believe effective leadership is about remaining resilient, adaptable and focused on finding solutions rather than dwelling on challenges. I tend to concentrate on what can be influenced, maintain a clear focus on our goals and look for opportunities to move forward. Building strong relationships and professional networks is also invaluable as they provide support, insight, and the flexibility needed to navigate change successfully. What are the aspirations for the future of the business? Our ambition is to build on Chadwicks Group’s strong heritage and continue growing our position as Ireland’s leading builders’ merchant. As the industry evolves, we want to drive sustainable business growth by expanding our capabilities, enhancing the customer experience, and embracing innovation across all areas of the business. Equally important is the continuous investment in our people, ensuring we attract, develop, and retain the talent needed to support our future success. By combining commercial growth with a strong people culture, we can continue to create opportunities for our colleagues, deliver value for our customers, and make a positive contribution to the communities we serve.
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