HR Manager

Our client the National Standards Authority of Ireland are currently accepting applications for the position of HR Manager.

Role Overview:

The role of Human Resources (HR) Manager at the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) will encompass both the strategic and operational management aspects of the HR function (note this is a newly established role within NSAI's HR Department). This pivotal position will maintain oversight of various facets of HR, including Recruitment & Selection, Employee Relations, Industrial Relations, Budgeting, Talent Development, Performance Management, Learning & Development, and HR Policy development.

Reporting directly to the Head of HR, you will act as a trusted advisor to NSAI's senior management, providing strategic guidance and operational support, while ensuring alignment with the organisation's strategic objectives, operational goals and values.

You will manage a highly professional and highly competent and capable HR Team consisting of three HR Business Partners (Recruitment & Selection; Payroll & Pensions; HR Digital/Technology), two administrative support staff, and one HR intern/graduate. Your leadership will be instrumental in fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace culture that attracts and retains top talent, ultimately enhancing NSAI's reputation as an employer of choice.

Note: The first stages of recruitment (application process, screening/shortlisting and scheduling of first round interviews) for this post are being conducted on NSAI's behalf by CPL. It is proposed to hold first round interviews during the week commencing 15th July 2024.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic advice and support to senior management, leveraging your expertise in HR management to address organisational challenges and opportunities.
• Collaborate closely with NSAI's Executive Management Team (EMT), Leadership Management Team (LMT), and the Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment to align staffing strategies with NSAI's Strategic Plan , ensuring that workforce capabilities meet current and evolving needs.
• Develop and implement comprehensive people and culture strategies aimed at maximising individual, departmental and organisational performance.
• Lead NSAI's HR function, overseeing day-to-day operations and spearheading transformative initiatives to drive organisational growth and effectiveness.
• Establish and maintain HR policies and procedures that promote fairness, compliance, and consistency in people management practices.
• Cultivate positive employee relations through proactive engagement with staff representatives and unions, fostering a collaborative and harmonious work environment.
• Act as point of contact with the NSAI Liaison Unit in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in relation to recruitment and workforce planning initiatives.
• Play an active role in ensuring NSAI's Health and Safety at Work obligations are fully met, in light of a dispersed, and often mobile workforce, with a regional network of offices, and many staff availing of a hybrid working model.
• Drive internal HR communications to ensure transparent and effective dissemination of information across NSAI, while monitoring employee sentiment and engagement levels.
• Provide expert guidance to senior management on staffing and employment matters, including the implementation of 'hybrid working' arrangements and 'Future of Work' initiatives.

Key Tasks:

• Managing the operational activities of the HR Department, including Recruitment & Selection, Payroll & Pensions, Performance Management, Learning & Development, Talent Development, and Employee/Industrial Relations.
• Interpreting best practice guidelines and legislative requirements to optimise HR processes and ensure full compliance.
• Managing the day-to-day functions of the HR team, providing leadership, guidance and support to enhance effectiveness and efficiency.
• Offering expert advice and insights on a range of HR-related issues, while contributing to strategic decision-making and workforce planning efforts.
• Developing and implementing HR policies and procedures that align with NSAI's strategic objectives and foster a positive organisational culture.
• Ensuring the quality and integrity of HR management activities, including disciplinary and grievance procedures, to uphold standards of fairness and equity.
• Promoting a positive workplace environment that encourages collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Engage directly and regularly with the NSAI Liaison Unit in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in relation to NSAI recruitment and workforce planning.
• Engaging with external stakeholders, including Government Departments/agencies, and industry bodies to explore and address HR-related matters at sectoral and national levels.

The above is not an exhaustive list of duties and you may be expected to perform additional or alternative tasks appropriate to the grade/role, as necessitated by changes within the HR Team, the organisation, and/or the overall business objectives of the organisation.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• A Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or a relevant business discipline (Minimum Level 8 on the NFQ).
• A minimum of three years post-qualification experience in HR management in the public or private sector, preferably in a high-paced and complex working environment.
• Associate Membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
• A proven track record of leadership and staff development, demonstrating the ability to drive organisational performance and foster employee engagement.
• Experience in workforce planning, staff engagement, conflict resolution, and navigating complex organisational dynamics.
• Relevant experience of working in a unionised environment, coupled with a good working knowledge of industrial relations processes, procedures, and associated negotiation and dispute resolution mechanisms.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with a strategic mindset and highly-developed analytical abilities.
• A solid understanding of HR management in the public sector, including relevant legislation, circulars, and best practice, or the ability to acquire same quickly.

Desirable

• A Masters level qualification in Human Resources, Occupational Psychology, Organisational Development, Business, Management or other discipline relevant to the role (Minimum Level 9 on the NFQ).
• Other management qualification or relevant training to enhance leadership and strategic capabilities.
• Chartered Membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), or the capacity to achieve same within the first 12-18 months in the role.
• Accredited coaching certification (e.g., EMCC, ICF etc) or the ability to achieve same within 18-24 months in the role.

To Apply:

Candidates are required to submit the following documentation via email to only:

1. A comprehensive CV detailed as relevant to the position (no longer than 3 pages);
2. A short cover letter/ personal statement (i.e. no more than 2 pages) outlining why you wish to be considered for the post and where you believe your skills and experience meet the requirements for the position.

We request that both documents are submitted in a single Word document or PDF where possible. Please note that omission of any or part of the 2 requested documents, as set out above, will render the application incomplete. Incomplete applications will not be considered for the next stage of the selection process.

Closing Date

The closing date and time for applications is 5pm, 4th July 2024. Applications received after the specified deadline will not be accepted.