Employee Relations Business Partner - 12 Month FTC
The Opportunity
Morgan McKinley is partnering with a renowned global retailer to appoint an experienced Employee Relations Business Partner on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This is a highly autonomous role, offering a senior ER professional the opportunity to step into an established People Partner position and take ownership of complex Employee Relations matters across the Irish business.
The successful candidate will play a key role in advising and coaching managers, managing complex ER and WRC cases, supporting business change and partnering with senior operational stakeholders. They will bring a pragmatic, commercially focused approach to Employee Relations, balancing legal and policy requirements with the needs of the business.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a high-profile organisation during a period of ongoing transformation, with significant exposure to complex ER matters and the opportunity to make a genuine impact. Retail experience is advantageous but not essential; experience within another large, fast-paced and commercially driven organisation will also be considered.
We are looking for a strong, hands-on ER professional with a proven track record of managing complex cases and the confidence to operate independently from day one.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide expert advice and guidance to managers on complex Employee Relations matters, from initial issue through to resolution.
- Manage and support WRC cases, including preparing managers, advising the business and representing the organisation where required.
- Partner closely with Store and Business Managers, providing practical advice and confidently challenging where appropriate.
- Support organisational change, restructuring, performance management and other people initiatives.
- Develop manager capability through coaching, guidance, training and practical ER toolkits.
- Build effective relationships with key stakeholders, including trade unions where required.
- Interpret employment legislation and company policy, balancing legal and employee considerations with commercial and operational requirements.
- Work closely with Legal and wider HR specialists on complex or high-risk cases.
- Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of people policies, processes and ER practices.
- Support and coach colleagues within the People team, sharing ER expertise and acting as a trusted sounding board.
- Contribute to wider HR projects and strategic People initiatives.
Requirements
- Significant ER experience within a complex, fast-paced organisation.
- Strong and demonstrable WRC experience.
- Excellent business partnering and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong commercial judgement and the ability to provide pragmatic, balanced advice.
- Confidence managing challenging conversations and influencing managers at all levels.
- The ability to assess risk and interpret legislation and policy in a practical business context.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- The confidence and maturity to operate independently from day one.
- A coaching and collaborative approach to supporting colleagues and managers.
Please note: this is a 12-month FTC and there is currently no expectation of a permanent position at the end of the assignment.
