HR Services Manager
Temporary 2 year contract - Full Time Hours.
This role is aligned to the HSE Pay Scale of Clerical Officer Grade VIII.
(Under the Governance of Mercy University Hospital Cork CLG.)
Mercy University Hospital (MUH)
Located in the heart of Cork City, MUH is a voluntary, general, acute hospital catering for both public and private patients. The hospital provides approximately 325 beds and offers a wide range of specialities which provide in-patient, day patient, outpatient and emergency services open 24 hrs.
We are a growing hospital with over 1,500 staff, a teaching hospital, a centre of national and international excellence, and are renowned for our research and tertiary services.
We support staff development with approx. 100 promotions annually. We prioritise work life balance with 28% of our team working part time hours.
We offer nationally agreed enhanced Salary Scales, Pension Scheme, excellent holidays, canteen, and Study Leave and Assistance. And from Cardiac Care to Intensive Care, our varied specialist services offer real career choice to our team. We live by our Core Values of Compassion, Excellence, Justice, Respect and Team Spirit.
HR Services Manager responsibilities include:
* Strategic HR Leadership - Support the HR function in developing and implementing HR strategic plans aligned with hospital objectives while providing expert guidance on all HR matters to ensure compliance with legislation and best practice.
* Employee & Industrial Relations - Manage complex ER/IR cases including grievances, disciplinaries, performance management, and dignity at work issues, ensuring procedural compliance and timely resolution.
* Team Leadership & Development - Lead and supervise HR staff, coordinate workflows, assess development needs, and ensure mandatory training compliance while fostering a positive working environment.
* Talent Acquisition Oversight - Oversee recruitment functions, develop targeted recruitment campaigns, participate in hiring processes, and support workforce planning to meet organizational needs.
* Compliance & Governance - Drive HR compliance agenda including Garda Vetting, work permits, contracts, legislative requirements, and HSE Circular compliance while maintaining robust internal controls.
* Pension Administration - Support the pension function ensuring adherence to scheme rules for all operated schemes and compliance with Relevant Authority requirements.
* HR Service Delivery - Ensure timely processing of employment documentation, critical illness protocols, rehabilitation remuneration, and terms of employment changes to maintain service levels.
* Change Management & Projects - Lead strategic HR initiatives, manage implementation of HR-related projects, and support staff through organizational change processes.
* Stakeholder Management - Build relationships across all organizational levels, providing high-quality HR advice and support while maintaining customer-focused service delivery.
* Data & Reporting - Provide regular HR reports and statistical data to management and stakeholders, including recruitment metrics and HR-related issue tracking.
* Deputization & Support - Deputize for the HR Director as required while supporting day-to-day HR operations and the wider HR team.
* Policy & Procedure Management - Establish and monitor HR policies, conduct audits of HR records and systems, and maintain current knowledge of employment legislation and healthcare sector regulations.
Eligibility Criteria - Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc required by the closing date for job applications:
Education
* Level 8 Degree or higher in HR, Business, Management or related field
* Professional HR qualification (CIPD or equivalent) desirable
* Evidence of continuous professional development
Experience
* Minimum 5-7 years' experience in an HR environment at Business Partner/People Leadership level
* Strong IR/ER experience is essential - demonstrable track record of managing complex employee relations cases
* Significant experience working with and supporting numerous stakeholders
* Proven ability to work on high-level, value-add ad hoc projects while continuing to achieve routine goals
* Experience in staff management and team leadership
* Hospital or healthcare experience is a distinct advantage
* Public sector experience is a distinct advantage
Full Job Description available on request.
Closing Date 1pm on Friday, 24 October 2025.