Employee Relations Business Partner

Employee Relations Business Partner - 12 Month FTC The Opportunity

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 managers.

Please note: this is a 12-month FTC and there is currently no expectation of a permanent position at the end of the assignment.