Human Resources Project Lead

Morgan McKinley; Dublin; Hybrid; EUR 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Morgan McKinley is seeking an HR Project Lead for a 6-month fixed-term assignment in Dublin (Clontarf). The role combines senior HR generalist expertise with strategic change management to support a public-sector transformation.

You will partner with the HR Lead across key workstreams, guiding line managers and collaborating with unions to ensure people-first, sustainable improvements. Hybrid work with approx. 3 onsite days.

Qualifications

• Experience as senior HR generalist or HRBP in complex, or public-sector environments.
• Proven ability to lead people-first change initiatives.
• Strong stakeholder management and union dynamics experience is a bonus.
• Collaborative, proactive mindset with continuous improvement focus.

Responsibilities

• Organizational Change & Manager Support: Guide line managers through practical implementation of updates with empathetic communication tools.
• Union Stakeholder & Partnership Alignment: Engage unions proactively to ensure collaborative change.
• Evaluating Ways of Working & Productivity: Review workflows to boost efficiency and satisfaction.
• HR Advisory & Operational Leadership: Provide senior HR guidance to management and support onboarding initiatives.
• People-Centric Process Enhancement: Modernize HR practices to support a seamless employee experience.

Skills

Senior HR Generalist

HR Business Partner

Change management

Stakeholder management

People-focused

Autonomy

Job description

Location: Clontarf, Dublin – Hybrid (approx. 3 days onsite / 2 days remote)

Contract Type: 6-Month Fixed-Term Contract

Our client, a prominent public sector body undergoing a positive transformation alongside its core service operations. To support our people and teams through this evolution, we are seeking a collaborative, empathetic, and experienced HR Project Lead at Grade 8 level to partner closely with the HR Lead across key strategic workstreams.

This role requires a strong background in senior HR generalist practice with a genuine people-first focus. You will play a pivotal role in supporting line managers through change, evaluating ways of working to enhance overall productivity, and internally preparing the team for constructive, long

Key Responsibilities

• Organizational Change & Manager Support: Guide and empower line managers through the practical implementation of organizational updates. Develop clear, compassionate communication strategies, coaching toolkits, and transition plans that put employee well being and engagement at the center.
• Union Stakeholder & Partnership Alignment: Prepare for positive, open engagement with unions. Focus on proactive relationship-building and alignment strategies to ensure a collaborative partnership during periods of change.
• Evaluating Ways of Working & Productivity: Review current workflows and team structures to identify opportunities for greater efficiency, improved collaboration, and higher employee satisfaction.
• HR Advisory & Operational Leadership: Provide senior HR advice and practical guidance across the wider HR team. Serve as a trusted advisor to management on people-related matters and contribute to key talent retention and onboarding initiatives.
• People-Centric Process Enhancement: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to modernize core HR practices, ensuring systems and processes support a seamless employee experience.

Candidate Profile & Requirements

• Experience: Experienced Senior HR Generalist or HR Business Partner with a background in complex, unionised, or public-sector environments experiencing organizational change.
• People-Centric Change Management: Proven ability to lead organizational change initiatives with empathy, supporting leaders, managers, and employees through growth and transition.
• Employee & Industrial Relations (Bonus): Direct ER/IR experience (such as WRC conciliation) is considered a distinct advantage/bonus, but strong overall stakeholder management and comfort working in a unionised environment are the core requirements.
• Mindset: Collaborative, solution-focused, and proactive with a passion for continuous improvement and enhancing the workplace environment.
• Autonomy & Leadership: Ability to take ownership of workstreams independently while serving as a key partner and deputy to the HR Lead.