ER IR Specialist

Exciting Career Opportunity - Employee Relations & Industrial Relations Specialist

Bon Secours Health System Ireland Citywest Dublin 24- Hybrid Model of Working
Full-time Permanent

We are delighted to announce an opportunity for an Employee Relations & Industrial Relations Specialist and are now inviting applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates.

This role will focus on fostering a positive working environment ensuring compliance with Irish employment law and supporting effective engagement with trade unions and staff representative bodies.

The role requires a strong understanding of the healthcare sector a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to handle sensitive and complex ER/IR issues with discretion professionalism and confidentiality.

Candidate Criteria:

Qualifications & Experience

• Third Level Qualification in Human Resources Employment Law or related field.
• Masters degree level or equivalent professional qualification in HR or Employment Law. (Desirable)
• CIPD membership or equivalent professional accreditation (Desirable)
• 4 years of in-depth knowledge and experience in Employee Relations and Industrial Relations
• Proven management of complex ER cases and negotiation with trade unions.

Key Skills

• Highly developed oral written presentation and leadership skills with the ability to develop communicate and gain ownership for a clear vision and direction.
• Strong influencing skills ability to communicate with impact and be able to convince through personal and professional credibility.
• Has the ability to communicate ideas positions and information clearly and convincingly in a manner that is sensitive to wider issues.
• Has the ability to advocate for and negotiate positions which allow for the ongoing improvement of services and systems.
• Excellent IT skills including Microsoft Office packages

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Reports to the Director of HR Strategy & Transformation
• Advise managers and staff on policies procedures and best practices in accordance with Irish employment law and organisational values.
• Manage and resolve complex employee relations cases including grievances disciplinary matters appeals performance management and absence management.
• Provide coaching and guidance to managers on conflict resolution and proactive engagement strategies.
• Monitor trends in employee relations and recommend initiatives to improve workplace culture and engagement.
• Support employee well-being initiatives and promote a positive work environment.
• Act as a liaison with recognised trade unions and staff representatives.
• Support the negotiation and implementation of collective agreements in line with the organisations goals and statutory obligations.
• Participate in union-management forums consultative committees and dispute resolution processes (including WRC and Labour Court engagements when required).
• Maintain positive and constructive working relationships with union representatives and external stakeholders
• Advise leadership on the potential impact of legislative changes union activity and sector-wide developments
• Develop review and update HR policies and procedures to ensure alignment with Irish employment legislation and healthcare sector regulations
• Support the preparation and maintenance of all HR documentation required for accreditation and regulatory compliance including standards set by JCI and HIQA across designated hospital sites
• Ensure organisational compliance with statutory requirements including Health & Safety obligations in collaboration with relevant departments
• Prepare reports and analysis on ER/IR metrics and trends for senior leadership.
• Engage with Chief Risk Officer and other relevant colleagues in Bon Secours Health System regarding any HR matters which may pose a risk to the organisation.

Closing Date: Thursday 5th March.

To Apply: Please submit your application through our website/Workday.

Bon Secours Health System is an equal opportunities employer. Our values of Human Dignity Compassion Stewardship Service and Integrity guide everything we do. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees have the opportunity to thrive. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds abilities and perspectives and provide reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require any assistance please contact us.