Head of Industrial Relations

Sigmar Recruitment; Dublin; Hybrid; EUR 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy

Remote work options

Job summary

Sigmar Recruitment seeks a Head of Industrial Relations for a leading Irish construction, engineering and infrastructure organisation. Based in Dublin, you will lead the organisation’s IR and employment services function, implementing strategic direction and delivering expert support to senior stakeholders.

You will develop strategies on industrial relations and employment law, represent the organisation in national negotiations with unions, lead bargaining, manage disputes, and appearance

Qualifications

• Degree in HR, IR, Law or related field.
• 10+ years HR/IR experience in unionised environments.
• Strong knowledge of Irish employment law and WRC/Labour Court experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies relating to industrial relations, employment law and workforce practices.
• Represent the organisation in national-level negotiations with trade unions and employee representative groups.
• Lead collective bargaining negotiations, pay agreements and sectoral employment matters.
• Manage complex industrial relations disputes, third-party referrals and employee relations cases.
• Represent the organisation at the Workplace Relations Commission and Labour Court.
• Provide leadership with clear, practical guidance on new employment legislation and relevant case law.
• Develop and deliver HR and employment services through guidance materials, digital content and communications.
• Build strong relationships with trade unions, government departments, social partners and employment institutions.
• Represent the organisation on relevant employment, pensions and policy committees.
• Act as a credible and informed spokesperson at committee, board and stakeholder forums.
• Develop proactive employee relations strategies that reduce industrial relations risk and support stability across the sector.
• Lead, coach and mentor a small team of experienced IR and HR professionals.

Skills

IR leadership

Union negotiations

Employment law

Stakeholder mgmt

Policy guidance

Communication skills

Education

HR/IR/Law degree

Job description

Head of Industrial Relations

About Your New Employer

Our client is a leading organisation within the construction, engineering and infrastructure sector.

• Influence employment practices and industrial relations at national level.
• Work closely trade unions, government departments and social partners.
• Join a respected organisation committed to professional advice, constructive engagement and sustainable workforce practices.

About Your New Job

As Head of Industrial Relations & Employment Services, you will lead the organisation’s IR and employment services function, implementing its strategic direction and delivering expert support to the organisation.

You will:

• Develop and implement strategies relating to industrial relations, employment law and workforce practices.
• Represent the organisation in national-level negotiations with trade unions and employee representative groups.
• Lead collective bargaining negotiations, pay agreements and sectoral employment matters.
• Manage complex industrial relations disputes, third-party referrals and employee relations cases.
• Represent the organisation at the Workplace Relations Commission and Labour Court.
• Provide leadership with clear, practical guidance on new employment legislation and relevant case law.
• Develop and deliver HR and employment services through guidance materials, digital content and communications.
• Build strong relationships with trade unions, government departments, social partners and employment institutions.
• Represent the organisation on relevant employment, pensions and policy committees.
• Act as a credible and informed spokesperson at committee, board and stakeholder forums.
• Develop proactive employee relations strategies that reduce industrial relations risk and support stability across the sector.
• Lead, coach and mentor a small team of experienced IR and HR professionals.
• The role is based in Dublin, with some travel required. A hybrid and remote working policy is available.

What Skills You Need

• A relevant degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Law, Business or a related discipline.
• At least 10 years’ progressive experience in HR and industrial relations, including significant experience in unionised environments.
• Extensive experience managing trade union relationships and leading collective bargaining negotiations.
• A proven record of resolving complex industrial disputes and employee relations matters.
• Strong knowledge of Irish employment law and industrial relations frameworks.
• Experience representing organisations or employees before the Workplace Relations Commission and/or Labour Court.
• Excellent negotiation, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare detailed submissions and documentation.
• Experience engaging with executive committees and senior or board-level stakeholders.
• A strategic, collaborative and solutions-focused leadership style, with sound judgement and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Experience in construction, engineering, infrastructure or a related sector would be highly desirable.

What's on Offer

• A senior, strategic role with the opportunity to influence industrial relations across a major Irish sector.
• The chance to lead a skilled team and work closely with senior stakeholders, trade unions, government bodies and social partners.
• Significant exposure to national negotiations, employment policy, legislation and complex industrial relations matters.
• A collaborative and professional working environment.
• Ongoing professional development and the opportunity to expand your influence at industry level.
• Dublin-based role with access to hybrid and remote working arrangements.
• Competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with experience.