HR Governance Specialist

Role Overview

The HR Governance Specialist will contribute to the design and operation of the governance structure, strengthening control standards, improving evidence and assurance discipline, and integrating Engineering & Major Projects HR governance activities into the ESB enterprise wide GRC framework and the ESB Second Line HR Governance Model.

As a key member of the business unit HR team, the HR Governance Specialist reports directly to the EMP HR Manager and works closely with the HR Governance, Compliance & Risk Manager, People & Sustainability to manage the governance, assurance and risk framework for Engineering & Major Projects (EMP). The role includes leading the 2nd line assurance cycle, quarterly and thematic reviews, evidence sampling, control effectiveness assessments, and follow up of actions. The specialist is responsible for best practice HR policy compliance, formulation and delivery for the business, managing the production of local HR metrics, and supporting the business resource plan delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• In collaboration with first line owners, provide compliance assurance to EMP HRM/SMT and P&S Governance Manager by designing and implementing the governance framework to monitor key HR processes such as SRP implementation, movers, joiners, leavers, etc.
• Produce concise KPI/KRI reporting on control health, exceptions, assurance coverage and remediation status.
• Identify trends, recurring exceptions and systemic weaknesses, escalating material issues through agreed governance channels.
• Simplify, standardise and strengthen HR governance processes while maintaining appropriate control rigour. Coordinate and continuously improve the HR audit/local control programme, including corrective actions with EMP SMT, HR and line management, and serve as the GIA point of contact for HR related audits.
• Optimise and streamline key HR and governance processes, using AI and digital tools.
• Identify, scope and implement projects to improve business governance, risk and compliance performance.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years relevant experience.
• Ability to work cross functionally with colleagues on a variety of projects.
• Background in HR and knowledge of HR practice, policies and procedures.
• Proven leadership, relationship management and influencing skills.
• Ability to demonstrate an understanding of related legislation and procedures.
• Previous experience in reporting, compliance & monitoring progress against policies, procedures and key performance indicators is an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of HR & analytics systems (e.g., Copilot, MyHR, Excel, Power BI).

Location

This position will be based in ESB Engineering & Major Projects office, The Sidings Building, Dublin 2.

ESB is committed to smart working - combining digital tools with a culture of trust and empowerment to enable flexible ways of working. The successful candidate may work flexibly within their jurisdiction with attendance at the workplace for in person collaboration on at least two days per week. All smart working arrangements are subject to manager approval and ongoing review, based on the operational requirements of the role, the team, and the individual.

Benefits

• Opportunity to lead Ireland's transition to a net zero carbon future.
• Career development through mentoring and training.
• Corporate Social Responsibility opportunities.
• Sports and social clubs.
• Networking opportunities.
• Credit Union access.
• Access to staff well being programmes.
• Generous parental leave entitlements.
• Strong values based and inclusive culture.
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Great team environment working to our Core Values: Courageous, Caring, Driven and Trusted.

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, .