HR Business Partner - Co. Meath
Permanent - Full Time OR Part Time (Flexible)
Competitive salary plus benefits of company pension plan, healthcare contributions, bonus & increasing annual leave entitlement based on length of service.
About the Role
This key role as HR Business Partner will have a strong focus on Industrial Relations. Reporting to the Head of HR, this specialist role will be instrumental in developing and implementing the organisation's employee and industrial relations strategy.
The position operates within a highly unionised environment and requires a confident professional who can lead complex negotiations, provide authoritative guidance on employment law, and manage disputes using a structured and effective approach.
A key element of the role is the ability to establish and maintain positive, trust-based relationships with union representatives, fostering collaborative outcomes that align organisational objectives with compliance obligations.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead or provide expert support in negotiations with trade unions and employee representative groups, contributing to effective collective bargaining strategies.
* Build and maintain positive, constructive relationships with employee representatives, promoting long-term industrial relations stability.
* Provide specialist advice on disciplinary, grievance, and investigation processes in line with recognised codes of practice.
* Represent the organisation at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and the Labour Court as required.
* Deliver strategic guidance on employment law matters, including contracts, redundancy, working time, dismissal, DEI, and work-life balance initiatives.
* Develop, review, and implement industrial relations frameworks and HR policies aligned with legislation and best practice.
* Monitor and interpret changes in Irish and EU employment law, case law, and WRC decisions, ensuring ongoing compliance.
* Draft, manage, and maintain HR documentation such as contracts, letters, forms, and checklists, ensuring robust record-keeping.
* Support and contribute to wider HR projects and initiatives as required.
Requirements
* A degree in Human Resources, Employment Law, Industrial Relations, or a related discipline.
* In-depth knowledge of Irish employment law and industrial relations, supported by formal qualifications or equivalent experience.
* Proven experience working in a unionised environment, managing both collective and individual ER/IR issues.
* Experience working in the Manufacturing, Energy, Construction or related industry.
* Strong negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to influence and advocate in high-pressure environments.
* Demonstrated experience representing organisations before the WRC and Labour Court.
* Highly professional, resilient, and discreet in managing sensitive or contentious matters.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including policy and documentation drafting.
* Additional Information
* This position is offered on a full-time or part-time basis (a minimum of 3 days per week).
* Flexibility may be required in line with operational needs.