Senior HR Generalist (P/time) - Jesuits in Ireland
The Irish Province of the Society of Jesus (The Jesuits in Ireland) is part of a global Catholic religious order committed to education, spirituality, social justice and service. Across Ireland, Jesuits and lay colleagues work together in schools, spirituality centres, social justice initiatives, pastoral ministries and community-based services. We are committed to creating workplaces where everyone is treated with dignity, supported to thrive, and encouraged to use their professional expertise to make a meaningful contribution.
Reporting to the Director of Human Resources, the Senior HR Generalist (60% FTE; 3 days per week) will provide high-quality HR support, advice and guidance to managers and employees across a diverse group of ministries and entities. The role combines operational HR responsibilities with a strong focus on employee relations, policy development, and organisational improvement.
The successful candidate will operate as a trusted HR advisor, supporting managers with complex people matters, ensuring compliance with employment legislation and organisational policies, and contributing to the continued development of a professional, values-based HR function. The role also plays a key role in delivering HR projects, workforce initiatives and continuous improvement activities across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities:
Employee Relations & HR Advisory
- Provide expert HR advice and guidance to managers on employee relations matters including disciplinary, grievance, performance management, probation, absence management, dignity at work and workplace investigations.
- Manage employee relations cases from initial consultation through to conclusion, ensuring procedural fairness and compliance with employment legislation.
- Coach and support managers in addressing people management issues effectively and confidently.
- Prepare and review employee relations documentation including investigation reports, disciplinary outcomes, performance improvement plans and correspondence.
- Attend and advise at formal meetings, hearings and consultations where required.
- Monitor employment law developments and advise on organisational implications.
Policy Development, Governance & Compliance
- Lead the review, development and implementation of HR policies, procedures and employment documentation.
- Ensure HR policies remain compliant with Irish employment legislation and reflect organisational values and best practice.
- Support governance, audit and compliance activities across the HR function.
- Contribute to safeguarding, risk management and regulatory compliance processes.
- Maintain oversight of employee records and HR systems to ensure compliance with GDPR and other statutory obligations.
Recruitment & Workforce Planning
- Manage recruitment processes for a selection of appointments.
- Advise hiring managers on recruitment best practice, selection methods and employment market trends.
- Ensure recruitment practices comply with safeguarding requirements, employment legislation and organisational policies.
- Support workforce planning initiatives and organisational resourcing requirements.
- Oversee pre-employment screening, references and Garda Vetting processes where required.
HR Operations & Employee Lifecycle
- Support the full employee lifecycle including onboarding, contractual changes, probation, leave management and offboarding processes.
- Review and prepare employment contracts and employment-related correspondence.
- Ensure HR records, systems and processes operate to a high standard of accuracy and compliance.
- Liaise with the Payroll Manager regarding employee changes, benefits and leave administration.
Learning, Development & Organisational Effectiveness
- Support performance management, talent development and employee engagement initiatives.
- Assist managers in identifying learning and development needs within their teams.
- Contribute to organisational development and culture-building initiatives.
- Support employee wellbeing programmes and initiatives that promote inclusion, dignity and respect.
HR Systems, Reporting & Continuous Improvement
- Support the implementation, optimisation and development of a new Human Resources Information System (HRIS).
- Analyse workforce data and prepare management reports, dashboards and HR metrics.
- Identify opportunities to improve HR processes, practices and efficiencies.
- Lead and contribute to HR projects and transformation initiatives.
- Support compensation, benefits and workforce analytics projects as required.
Person Specification
Essential
- Degree qualified in Human Resources, Business or a related discipline.
- Minimum 5 years' experience in a HR Generalist, Senior HR Officer or HR Advisor role.
- Strong employee relations experience, including disciplinary, grievance, attendance management, performance management and workplace investigations.
- Excellent knowledge of Irish employment legislation and HR best practice.
- Experience developing, reviewing and implementing HR policies and procedures.
- Experience advising and coaching managers on people management matters.
- Experience preparing complex HR and employee relations documentation.
- Experience using HR systems and workforce reporting tools.
- Excellent written communication, report writing and presentation skills.
- Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.
- High levels of discretion, professionalism and integrity.
- CIPD qualified or equivalent professional HR qualification.
Desirable
- Experience within a charity, education, healthcare, social care, faith-based or mission-led organisation.
- Experience supporting HRIS implementation or systems development projects.
- Knowledge of safeguarding requirements and associated employment implications.
Safeguarding & Equality
· Jesuits in Ireland is committed to the highest standards in Safeguarding and Protection of children and vulnerable adults. One of the ways we demonstrate this on-going commitment is to ensure rigorous background and reference checks for successful candidates, including Garda Vetting where applicable.
· Jesuits in Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We are committed to fairness, dignity, inclusion and respect throughout our employment practices.
Pay: From €65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Bike to work scheme
- Company pension
- Employee assistance program
- Flexitime
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
- Wellness program
- Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Milltown, County Dublin (Country District South Dublin)
