HR Graduate Development Programme 2027

ESB; Dublin; Hybrid; EUR 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

ESB HR is seeking high-potential graduates for its 2027 HR Graduate Development Programme in Dublin. You will rotate across talent acquisition, L&D, DEI, capability, and HR business partner support roles to build a comprehensive HR skillset.

The CIPD-aligned programme supports personal and professional growth, with mentoring, peer networks, and a strong emphasis on leadership, teamwork, and innovation within a flexible hybrid work model.

Qualifications

• 2.1 Honours Level 8 Degree in HR, Business, Psychology, or related field.
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Flexibility to travel when required.
• Previous relevant work experience would be advantageous but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Structured rotations across HR functions to build business knowledge.
• Participation in the graduate community with mentoring and coaching.
• Supportive line management with regular development reviews.
• Engagement in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Teamwork

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Flexibility to travel

Education

2.1 Honours Level 8 Degree in HR, Business, Psychology or related field

Job description

ESB HR Graduate Development Programme 2027

Our HR Graduate Development Programme

People are at the core of our success. Joining ESB’s HR team means becoming part of an innovative and skilled group. Our HR Graduate Development Programme is designed to support both personal and professional growth, equipping you for a successful career with ESB as an HR Professional while contributing to our ambitious Net Zero by 2040 strategy. Our CIPD-aligned HR Graduate Programme features structured rotations to build your HR skillset. For example:

• Talent Acquisition
• Learning & Development
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Capability, Development & Resourcing
• HR Business Partner Support Role

• Talent Acquisition
• Learning & Development
• Reward & Benefits
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Capability, Development & Resourcing
• HR Business Partner Support Role

Our bespoke HR Graduate Development Programme includes:

• Structured Rotations: Our graduate programme is typically structured into 3 rotations where you will build your business knowledge through challenging assignments, exposure to our business units and diverse range of business activities, and the opportunity to work on one of our major projects and sponsorships.
• Learning & Development Programme: Our Graduate Learning and Development Programme is designed to support you in developing your professional and personal skills including Teamwork, Personal Impact, Storytelling, Leadership, and Innovation. You’ll also become part of our vibrant Graduate Community, where you can connect, learn, and grow with fellow graduates.
• Performance Orientated: At the start of each of your rotations, you will agree with your line manager the goals of the assignment and put in place the steps to help achieve them. Ongoing one-to-one conversations and management reviews will ensure that you are constantly working towards achieving your professional status and position you for a career with ESB.
• Supportive Work Environment: You’ll kickstart each rotation by setting goals with your manager which will be reviewed during regular one-to-ones. You’ll have a dedicated Mentor, alongside your Line Manager, Graduate Co-Ordinator, Buddy and Graduate Peers. Your Mentor will guide you through the programme, offering valuable advice and guidance.
• Social Networking: Over the past few years our graduates have been involved in all sorts of Sports and Social activities. Anything from Tag Rugby, Cricket, Soccer and GAA to language classes, team building challenges, charity work and graduate social events. Our clubs, societies and networks are a great way to build your contacts and of course make new connections.

What You’ll Receive

We offer a competitive graduate salary and a comprehensive benefits package built on four pillars of Reward, Career, Community, and Well-being:

• Progressive, hybrid working model
• Career development through mentoring and training
• Corporate Social Responsibility opportunities
• Sports and Social Clubs
• Credit Union access
• Pension Scheme
• Employee well-being programmes
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Great team environment with our Core Values: Courageous, Caring, Trusted, and Driven

Location

At ESB, our HR teams are primarily based in our Head Office in Dublin 2. Depending on your rotation as part of the HR Graduate Development Programme, travel may be required. Smart Working at ESB is designed to make ‘in-person’ time together as purposeful as possible while also enabling the effective use of digital tools and hybrid arrangements to preserve our commitment to flexibility. The successful candidate may work flexibly within the jurisdiction where they have been employed, with attendance at the workplace for in-person collaboration at least two days per week. All Smart Working arrangements are subject to regular review based on the operational requirements of the role, the team, and the business.

What You’ll Need

• 2.1 Honours Level 8 Degree (expected or attained) in HR, Business, Psychology, or a related field
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Flexibility to travel when required
• Previous relevant work experience would be an advantage but is not essential

In your CV (max 2 pages), please include:

• Degree and Masters (if applicable) Title
• Results to date
• Final Year Modules
• Final Year Project Title
• Relevant work experienceContact information (mobile phone number and email address, with voicemail activated)

Closing Date : 19th October 2026