HR Graduate Development Programme 2027

Electricity Supply Board; Leinster; Hybrid; EUR 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working model

Mentoring and coaching

Graduate community and networking

Pension scheme

Credit Union access

Sports and social clubs

Job summary

ESB invites applicants to its HR Graduate Development Programme in Ireland. The programme develops future HR professionals through structured rotations across Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development, and DEI, with exposure to major projects and sponsorships.

You will be mentored while building leadership, teamwork and communication skills within a vibrant graduate community. A hybrid working model enables flexible, in-person collaboration with some travel as rotations require.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Rotate through HR functions across our business units.
• Support Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development, and DEI initiatives.
• Participate in HR projects and sponsorships during rotations.
• Be mentored by managers and coordinators to develop professionally.

Skills

Leadership

Teamwork

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Flexibility

Willingness to travel

Education

Honours Level 8 Degree in HR/Business/Psychology

Job description

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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

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

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

Contact information (mobile phone number and email address, with voicemail activated)

Closing Date : 19th October 2026

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

ESB is committed to being an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all sections of society and ensure that no one is discriminated against on the grounds of race, religion or belief, ethnicity or nationality, disability, age, citizenship, marital status, domestic or civil partnership status, sexual orientation or gender identity, or any other basis as protected by law.

Applicants who anticipate requiring assistance or reasonable accommodations for any part of the application or interview process may contact, in confidence, [e-mail].

About ESB

Join us in our mission to achieve a net‑zero electricity system by 2040. ESB is Ireland’s leading energy utility, with activities spanning electricity generation, transmission and distribution, energy supply, energy services and international consultancy. Operating in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain, we invest over €1 billion each year to deliver a new energy future based on reliable, affordable zero‑carbon electricity.