Exciting Career Opportunity - Senior Manager - Industrial and Employee Relations

Location: Open to all BSHS Locations/Hybrid Working Model

Full-time | Permanent

We are delighted to announce an opportunity for a Senior Manager - Industrial and Employee Relations, and are now inviting applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates.

This role will focus on fostering a positive working environment, ensuring compliance with Irish employment law, and supporting effective engagement with trade unions and staff representative bodies.

The role requires a strong understanding of the healthcare sector, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and the ability to handle sensitive and complex ER/IR issues with discretion, professionalism and confidentiality.

Candidate Criteria:

Qualifications & Experience

Third Level Qualification in Human Resources, Employment Law or related field.
Master's degree level or equivalent professional qualification in HR or Employment Law. (Desirable)
CIPD membership or equivalent professional accreditation (Desirable)
4+ years of in-depth knowledge and experience in Employee Relations and Industrial Relations
Proven management of complex ER cases and negotiation with trade unions.

Key Skills

Highly developed oral, written, presentation and leadership skills, with the ability to develop, communicate and gain ownership for a clear vision and direction.
Strong influencing skills, ability to communicate with impact and be able to convince through personal and professional credibility.
Has the ability to communicate ideas, positions and information clearly and convincingly in a manner that is sensitive to wider issues.
Has the ability to advocate for and negotiate positions which allow for the ongoing improvement of services and systems.
Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office packages

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Reports to the Director of HR Strategy & Transformation
Advise managers and staff on policies, procedures, and best practices in accordance with Irish employment law and organisational values.
Manage and resolve complex employee relations cases, including grievances, disciplinary matters, appeals, performance management and absence management.
Provide coaching and guidance to managers on conflict resolution and proactive engagement strategies.
Monitor trends in employee relations and recommend initiatives to improve workplace culture and engagement.
Support employee well-being initiatives and promote a positive work environment.
Act as a liaison with recognised trade unions and staff representatives.
Support the negotiation and implementation of collective agreements in line with the organisation's goals and statutory obligations.
Participate in union-management forums, consultative committees, and dispute resolution processes (including WRC and Labour Court engagements when required).
Maintain positive and constructive working relationships with union representatives and external stakeholders
Advise leadership on the potential impact of legislative changes, union activity, and sector-wide developments
Develop, review, and update HR policies and procedures to ensure alignment with Irish employment legislation and healthcare sector regulations
Support the preparation and maintenance of all HR documentation required for accreditation and regulatory compliance, including standards set by JCI and HIQA, across designated hospital sites
Ensure organisational compliance with statutory requirements, including Health & Safety obligations in collaboration with relevant departments
Prepare reports and analysis on ER/IR metrics and trends for senior leadership.
Engage with Chief Risk Officer and other relevant colleagues in Bon Secours Health System regarding any HR matters which may pose a risk to the organisation.

Closing Date: Monday 6th April.

To Apply: Please submit your application through our website/Workday.

Bon Secours Health System is an equal opportunities employer. Our values of Human Dignity, Compassion, Stewardship, Service and Integrity guide everything we do. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees have the opportunity to thrive. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, abilities and perspectives, and provide reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require any assistance, please contact us.

Senior Manager - Industrial and Employee Relations

Job Description