Head of HR

Job Title: Head of Human Resources
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Location: National coverage required
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
Overview:
An experienced, strategic, and dynamic HR leader is sought for a national health and social care provider. The Head of HR will lead the full spectrum of HR services, driving key strategic initiatives such as workforce planning, talent management, employee and industrial relations, and organisational development.
This is a pivotal role, supporting transformation and continuous improvement across a multi-site operation, and will suit an individual with strong leadership, change management, and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement the organisation’s HR strategy in line with its mission and values.
• Provide expert HR leadership and guidance to senior management and operational teams.
• Oversee employee relations and industrial relations, including managing union relationships.
• Lead Trust in Care investigations and ensure safeguarding, Health & Safety, and GDPR compliance.
• Drive change management and support organisational transformation.
• Lead the design and delivery of performance management, succession planning, and staff development.
• Maintain and improve HR systems, policies, and processes ensuring best practice and legal compliance.
• Provide strategic oversight on recruitment, retention, and workforce planning.
• Act as the organisation’s Data Protection Officer (DPO), ensuring GDPR compliance.

 
Requirements
Essential:

• Minimum 5 years’ senior-level HR leadership experience.
• Strong background in employee and industrial relations (including WRC engagement).
• In-depth knowledge of Irish and EU employment law.
• Experience within the healthcare or similar regulated sector.
• Prior experience managing organisational change projects and large teams.
• Proficiency in data protection laws and Health & Safety compliance.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, influencing, and communication skills.

Desirable:

• Membership of CIPD.
• Master’s degree (Level 9) in HR or related discipline.
• Experience in the not-for-profit, charity or Section 38/39 sector.
• Understanding of HIQA, safeguarding, and Trust in Care standards.

Additional Requirements:

• Garda Vetting and relevant international police checks.
• Own transport and willingness to travel between locations.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and resilience.