Employee Relations Business Partner - Retail

Morgan McKinley; Dublin; On-site; EUR 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Morgan McKinley partners with a renowned global retailer to appoint an experienced Employee Relations Business Partner on a 12‑month fixed‑term contract in Ireland. This senior ER role offers autonomy and ownership of complex Employee Relations matters across the Irish business.

You will advise and coach managers, manage WRC cases, support business change and partner with senior operational stakeholders. Retail experience is advantageous but not essential; experience within another large,

Qualifications

• Significant employee relations experience in a complex, fast-paced environment.
• Strong WRC experience and case management skills.
• Excellent business partnering and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Practical, commercially-minded advice balancing policy and business needs.
• Ability to manage challenging conversations with confidence and influence across levels.
• Strong risk assessment skills and ability to interpret legislation practically.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice to managers on complex ER matters from issue to resolution.
• Manage and support WRC cases, preparing managers and representing the company when required.
• Partner with Store and Business Managers, offering practical ER guidance.
• Support organisational change, restructuring, performance management and people initiatives.
• Develop manager capability through coaching, guidance, and ER toolkits.
• Build relationships with key stakeholders including unions where relevant.
• Interpret employment legislation and policy balancing legal and commercial needs.
• Collaborate with Legal and HR specialists on high-risk cases.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of ER practices and policies.
• Support and coach colleagues within the People team as a trusted sounding board.
• Contribute to wider HR projects and strategic People initiatives.

Skills

ER experience

WRC experience

Stakeholder management

Commercial judgement

Risk assessment

Communication

Independence

Coaching

Job description

Employee Relations Business Partner – 12 Month FTC

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 retailer 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 environment 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 company 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 environment.
• 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.