Human Resources Manager

Location: SETU – Appointee will work across all SETU campuses, but may choose to be based in one of the Waterford, Carlow, or Wexford Campuses.

Overall role and context:

A standby panel may be formed from which vacancies for this role may be filled.

A professional and highly skilled HR management team is vital to the success and sustainability of the University, and we now wish to recruit an exceptional individual to the position of HR Manager. This role will complement an existing team of three HR Managers across SETU and will have a key focus on Employee and Industrial Relations across all campuses. The successful candidate will play a key leadership role within SETU’s HR function, focusing on the management of employee and industrial relations across all campuses.

The role involves continuing the existing positive working relationships with staff, trade unions, and management to support a collaborative and respectful working environment that aligns with the University's strategic objectives and statutory obligations.

Please note that SETU is undertaking extensive organisational re-structuring at present, and so the nature and duties of the role may change in the coming year(s) to reflect these overall changes.

Industrial Relations

• Resolve industrial disputes, grievances, and conflict through negotiation.

• Set up mediation for staff dealing with interpersonal conflict issues.

• Lead liaison with staff trade unions and employee representative bodies to ensure positive and constructive working relationships.

• Support national negotiations in TUA sub-groups on development of schemes/policies, etc.

• Interpret and apply circulars relevant to Employee Relations.

• Ensure compliance with relevant industrial relations laws and university policies.

• Represent SETU in third-party hearings where required.

• Maintain accurate records of negotiations, agreements, disputes, and case files.

• Support implementation of HR initiatives that have IR implications.

• Advise senior leadership on industrial relations issues.

• Provide updates to EMT on the Industrial Relations landscape in SETU when required.

• Engage in external forums related to higher education employment and industrial relations.

• Prepare briefings, reports, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders e.g., auditors.

Employee Relations

• Provide advice to managers and HR staff on the interpretation of workplace legislation, circulars relevant to a university setting, and employment law.

• Manage complex employee relations cases and workplace investigations.

• Liaise with legal counsel on complex legal issues, dispute management, or litigation matters.

• Assist with change management processes from an industrial and employee relations perspective.

• Provide guidance on university HR policies and employment legislation.

• Advise on appropriate responses to unsatisfactory performance or misconduct.

• Assist with disciplinary procedure and appeal.

• Monitor emerging legal and regulatory developments that may impact employee relations.

• Support audits and respond to inquiries from auditors where required.

General

• Provide leadership and guidance, together with the other HR Managers for the University and its employees regarding human resource matters.

• Foster positive employee relations and establish good working relations and communications within the University.

• Manage and lead members of the HR Team.

• Ensure consistent and equitable application of human resource policies and government regulations throughout the University by advising senior managers on applicable policies and regulations and implementing the HR-related policies of the University.

• Improve organisational effectiveness and productivity by overseeing the planning, development, and delivery of professional development and job-related skill training opportunities.

• Continue the development of a competent, productive, and effective HR team by supervising, directly and through delegation, professional and administrative support employees.

• Represent HR on various university, regional, and national fora where appropriate and participate on various University committees.

• Manage related aspects of the departmental budget.

• Facilitate a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.

• Remain competent and current on best Human Resources practices through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as directed by VP People, Culture & EDI.

• Contribute to the overall success of the University by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Any other duties that may be assigned by the President, VP People, Culture & EDI, or other designated senior manager.

The nature of the work may require working outside normal working hours as required from time to time. The appointee will carry out the instructions of the President, VP People, Culture & EDI, or such other designated managers and comply with the requirements and regulations of the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

Academic Qualifications

• Level 8 Degree in Human Resource Management, Employment Law, or related discipline.

Experience

• Five years of human resources management experience at a senior level in a complex multi-disciplinary organisation with a strong IR/ER focus.

• Demonstrated experience managing unionised workforces.

• Knowledge of Irish employment law and public sector industrial relations frameworks.

Specific Knowledge and Skills

• Experience/knowledge of employee relations, employment law, and collective agreements.

• Change Management skills.

• Development and application of policies and procedures.

• Management of HR systems and records.

• Inter-disciplinary employee engagement and communications.

• Effective industrial negotiations and relations.

• Budget management.

I.T. Skills

• Competent in the use of Microsoft Office suite of programmes.

• Familiar with HR Information Systems.

Specific Personal Qualities

• Excellent interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work and communicate effectively with all stakeholders in a diverse community.

• Outstanding leadership and management skills.

• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.

• High emotional intelligence and diplomacy.

• Strategic thinking with operational delivery focus.

Salary: The gross salary scale applicable to this post is Senior Management Grade i.e., €88,232 – €113,479 per annum (as at 01/08/2025).