Regional People Partner

Morgan McKinley; Ireland; On-site; EUR 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

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 senior ER role offers autonomy to own complex ER matters across the Irish business and to coach managers.

You will advise, support WRC cases, partner with Store and Business Managers, shape people policies, and drive change initiatives while balancing legal requirements with commercial needs.

Qualifications

• Significant ER experience within a complex, fast-paced organisation.
• Strong and demonstrable WRC experience.
• Excellent stakeholder management and business partnering skills.
• Ability to provide pragmatic, commercially balanced advice.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice and guidance to managers on complex Employee Relations matters from issue to resolution.
• Manage and support WRC cases, advising the business and representing the organisation when required.
• Partner with Store and Business Managers, offering practical ER guidance and challenging where appropriate.
• Support organisational change, restructuring and performance management initiatives.
• Develop manager capability through coaching, training and ER toolkits.
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders, including trade unions when needed.
• Interpret employment legislation and policy, balancing legal requirements with business needs.
• Collaborate with Legal and HR colleagues on high-risk cases.
• Contribute to policy development and continuous improvement of ER practices.
• Coach teammates within the People team and share ER expertise.

Skills

ER experience

WRC experience

Stakeholder management

Commercial judgement

Communication

Independent working

Coaching

Job description

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 organisation 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

organisation 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 organisation 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 organisation.
• 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