People & Culture (HR) Executive

Salary: €43,090 - €60,186 depending on experience

Closing Date: 19th June 2026

Job Purpose

The People & Culture Executive is responsible for the effective day-to-day delivery of operational HR and payroll activities, with a particular focus on payroll preparation, validation and compliance.

The role acts as deputy to the People & Culture Team Lead, supporting operational continuity, quality assurance and the provision of guidance to HR administrative staff, while ensuring HR systems, payroll processes and administrative workflows operate accurately, consistently and in accordance with organisational and statutory requirements.

Core Job Responsibilities

• Provide guidance, advice and support on employee and Community Employment (CE Scheme) matters.
• Support the implementation of agreed People & Culture policies and initiatives.
• Work collaboratively within the People & Culture team and across the wider organisation to ensure effective information flow and service delivery.
• Participate in People & Culture-related projects, including system improvements and organisational initiatives such as diversity forums, staff wellbeing programmes and employee groups.
• Support managers with recruitment and salary processing through the HR System/HRIS, along with payroll validation.
• Act as operational support and deputise for the People & Culture Team Leader, ensuring continuity in their absence.
• Provide support and cover to other colleagues in the People & Culture Team.
• Maintain operational oversight of Healthbox HR information systems with end-to-end processing.
• Support the oversight of People & Culture workflows to ensure consistency, compliance and accuracy.
• Support audits, inspections and statutory reporting.
• Provide guidance and informal supervision to People & Culture administrative staff.
• Act as an escalation point for system issues, problem-solving and testing of solutions, ensuring learning is fed back for continuous improvement.

Person SpecificationPersonal Attributes

• Highly organised, proactive and self-directed, with the ability to take ownership of workstreams.
• Strong teamwork skills and the ability to collaborate and manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Flexible and adaptable, with a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Resilient and calm under pressure, particularly during payroll cycles or peak periods.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic and busy environment.
• Strong commitment to supporting a positive and inclusive People & Culture environment that reflects Barnardos' values and enhances staff wellbeing and engagement.
• Ability to balance operational detail with broader team and organisational priorities, ensuring high-quality People & Culture service delivery.

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years' directly relevant experience.
• Experience working with HR systems and databases is essential.
• Strong numerical skills are essential.
• Competent user of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of employment legislation.
• IPASS training and experience desirable.

Qualifications

• Qualification in Human Resources at a minimum of Level 7 or a CIPD qualification.
• Knowledge of employment law and its practical application for HR advice.

Additional Requirement

• A full clean driving licence and access to a suitably insured car is desirable.

Barnardos is an equal opportunity employer.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.