About University College CorkUniversity College Cork (UCC) is an internationally renowned university where excellence in teaching and research is aligned with an inclusive and respectful environment, where all staff and students can flourish and thrive. Founded in 1845, UCC is a comprehensive research-intensive institution comprising four academic Colleges, delivering a rich tradition of collaborative teaching, research and scholarship that has true global impact. A Place of ValuesBELIEVE At UCC our mission is to meet the challenges of our time, together. When you work at University College Cork, you are joining a group of diverse thinkers and innovators committed to a sustainable future for our University, our society and our world. We rely on the collective power of our people working to create and innovate towards a common purpose. As a leading research university, our ambition is to cultivate a distinctive research reputation in signature areas of excellence. As a community of learning, our connected curriculum underpins a relevant, dynamic and inclusive learning experience for our students. As the world's first Green Flag university, we are proud of our leadership in sustainability and we continue to radically reform our practices and use of space and technology to meet our ambitious sustainability and climate action goals. BELONG We are committed to providing a diverse, inclusive and equitable working environment where everyone's contribution is valued and everyone has the potential to shape change and make a difference. We value the unique background, experience, and contribution that each staff member brings to our community and are looking for people who will make a difference. If you believe in our vision and mission and would like to belong to community of people who are working together to make an impact, we would love to hear from you. BECOME When you become a member of UCC's community you will be eligible for a wide range of staff benefits and rewards including the following: High-quality professional and leadership development opportunities, including UCC-delivered postgraduate qualifications in Learning and Teaching, as well as Professional Practice and Leadership in Higher Education.Staff fee concessions for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.Outstanding sports facilities with subsidised membership for university staff and an active sports and social club and special interest groups.Job Title: Head of Employee Lifecycle ServicesLocation: University College Cork CampusReporting to: Deputy Chief People & Culture Officer - OperationsThis is a fantastic opportunity to help shape the future of people services at one of Ireland's leading universities. As Head of Employee Life Cycle Services, you will play a strategic leadership role in designing and delivering seamless, people‑centred services across the entire employment journey-from pre‑boarding to offboarding.This is a newly created role reporting to the Deputy Director of People & Culture Operations, giving you the chance to make a real impact from day one. You'll join a forward‑thinking, values‑driven team that's pioneering innovation in People & Culture within the higher education sector.The Head of Employee Life Cycle Services provides both strategic direction and operational excellence across everything that shapes the employee journey at UCC. This includes pre‑boarding, onboarding, ongoing employment support, and offboarding.You will ensure these services are efficient, consistent, compliant, and aligned with UCC's commitment to a positive, inclusive employee experience.Working closely with senior colleagues-including the Heads of Talent Acquisition, Research Life Cycle Services, Pensions and HRIS - you will lead multiple specialist teams and champion continuous improvement across all employee life cycle processes.Your work will be central to fostering a welcoming, supportive environment where staff feel valued, connected, and set up for success at every stage of their UCC career.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic LeadershipDevelop and implement the strategy for the full employee life cycle-onboarding, in‑life management, and offboarding.Create aligned processes and policies that support workforce planning, operational efficiency, and a values‑led people experience.Contribute to university wide transformation initiatives and P&C systems enhancements.Operational Oversight of Employee Life Cycle ServicesEarly Life Cycle (Onboarding & Establishment)Ensure a welcoming, efficient onboarding experience, including orientation, system access, and policy introductions.Oversee probation processes, confirmation of appointment, and the smooth integration of new hires.Work closely with the Head of Talent Acquisition to support offer preparation and communication of total reward.Ongoing Life Cycle (Employment Support)Lead services relating to contractual and employment changes (family leave, sickness absence, changes to hours, etc.).Ensure accurate presence and leave management in line with legislation and UCC policy.Support consistent and compassionate experiences during role changes, secondments, and return-to-work transitions.Exit & OffboardingOversee resignations, retirements, and contract completions.Ensure timely system deactivation, communication, and continuity for affected areas.People Leadership and Team DevelopmentLead and develop the Early and Ongoing Employee Life Cycle teams, fostering a high‑performance, customer‑focused culture.Champion continuous learning and service excellence.Plan and oversee the integration of the Hourly Occasional Team into the life‑cycle structures.Stakeholder PartnershipCollaborate with Talent Acquisition, Pensions, and Research Life Cycle leaders for seamless handovers and consistent service delivery.Partner with Payroll, Finance, and IT colleagues to streamline workflows and resolve service gaps.Offer expertise and support to P&C Business Partners on employee lifecycle matters.Data, Compliance & Continuous ImprovementEnsure compliance with legislation, GDPR, and UCC policies in partnership with the P&C Compliance and Policy Development Manager.Monitor service KPIs (onboarding timelines, probation outcomes, leave accuracy, etc.).Drive process improvement through digitalisation, customer feedback, and service insights.Essential CriteriaA Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related fieldA postgraduate qualification or recognised HR certification (e.g., CIPD or equivalent)5+ years' experience in Human Resources / People & Culture operations, ideally in a large or complex organisationDemonstrated leadership experience across the employee life cycle, including onboarding, employment support, or similar operational areasA strong track record of leading change, improving processes, and delivering efficient, customer‑focused people servicesDeep understanding of employment legislation, leave entitlements, and HR operational processesExcellent communication, coaching, and influencing skills-comfortable working with stakeholders at all levelsStrong strategic mindset paired with the ability to deliver practical, operational outcomesHighly analytical, with the ability to interpret data and use insights to drive decisions and enhance service deliveryA values-driven and collaborative leader who champions inclusive, user‑centred service designHigh attention to detail, resilience, and a commitment to delivering an exceptional employee experienceProven ability to lead Employee Life Cycle Services teams and ensure a smooth, effective journey for staffStrong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining high standardsConfident in preparing and analysing data to provide meaningful insights and continuous process improvementDemonstrated commitment to continuous professional development and keeping HR expertise up to dateDesirable CriteriaExperience working in higher education or the public sectorFamiliarity with the Irish third‑level education HR policy frameworkInvolvement in HR system integration or related digital transformation projectsKey CompetenciesLeadershipAnalysis & Decision MakingManagement & Delivery of ResultsInterpersonal & Communication SkillsSpecialist Knowledge, Expertise & Self‑DevelopmentDrive and Commitment to UCC Values