HR Team Lead (Employee Relations)

Irish Wheelchair Association -Employee Relations Team Lead

Company Profile

The Irish Wheelchair Association is one of Ireland's leading representative organisations and service providers for people with physical disabilities.  We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to live a life of choice and equality.

We provide a nationwide assisted living service, community centres in every county, a fleet of accessible buses, a national parking permit and driving school service, wheelchair-accessible social houses, and help young people with disabilities build employability skills and confidence.

Our flagship sports programme, IWA Sport, is the national governing body for wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby and powerlifting and runs sports clubs for children and adults.  Many of Ireland's finest para-athletes started their careers with IWA Sport.

Vacancy

We invite applications for this full-time, permanent role based in Clontarf, with occasional travel within Ireland.  The job holder reports to the Head of Human Resources. 

The key focus of the role will be to protect IWA's reputation in all areas of employment law, including codes of practice, and ensure that strong, accessible support is available to both management and staff when needed.  It will also support the ongoing development and deployment of IWA's people strategy and its intention to be an employer of choice in its sector.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

The overall aim of this role is to develop and implement effective employee relations practices, policies, and procedures, working closely with the Head of Human Resources.  It will also support the continued development of IWA's people strategy and its intention to be an employer of choice in its sector.  

Employee Relations:  Act as a trusted advisor to employees and management on HR-related matters, supporting investigations and providing resolution strategies following legal requirements, codes of practice and IWA policy.  Lead in the recommendation of proactive ER measures as well as the use of suitable and appropriate alternative dispute resolution approaches.  Ability to work collaboratively with staff representatives and, where needed, represent the IWA organisation externally.

Team Leadership:  Lead, mentor and develop a team of ER professionals, providing guidance and support to management and staff.  Build IWA's capability in delivering timely, effective and value-adding solutions to issues that may arise.

Policy Development and Implementation:  Working with colleagues across the organisation and other HR Teams, develop, review, and implement employment policies and procedures to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and best practices while aligning with IWA's Strategic Plan.

ER Knowledge Building: Consider, design, and implement a proactive plan to ensure a strong local capability in addressing initial colleague needs, including concerns, in the employee relations area.  Working with HR and Learning and Development colleagues, building capability around the informal resolution of issues locally, management and leadership around 'difficult conversation' meetings, and ensuring strong information sharing around IWA employee policies and procedures.

Supporting the Advancement of IWA's Employee Value Proposition (EVP): By working with colleagues, IWA will advance its reputation in key areas, including dignity and respect, DEI, well-being, and internal communication, thereby strengthening these aspects.

Compliance: Continually stay abreast of changes in Irish employment legislation and ensure organisational compliance with statutory requirements, providing guidance and recommendations as necessary.

Person Specification 

Technical Requirements

Minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in an employee relations role, covering all areas in the duties and responsibilities above (Essential)

QQI Level 8 in Human Resources or analogous discipline (Essential)

CIPD membership – awarded following learning programme (Essential)

Strong understanding of Irish employment legislation and its application in the workplace (Essential)

Strong experience in communication, influencing and persuasion skills, working well with colleagues to achieve consensus and agreement in challenging situations (Essential)

Proven experience in people management, including coaching, mentoring, and performance management.

Demonstrated experience with HR Information Systems (HRIS – SAP Success Factors) and proficiency in MS Office Suite.

Personal Requirements

Team player, excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.

Strong networking and relationship building skills.

Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.

Experience working in the not-for-profit sector is desirable

A full driver's licence and access to your own car are essential.

Remuneration & Benefits

·         Annual salary range - €54,123 to €70,971 per annum DOE

·         Excellent working conditions, including partial working from home arrangements following the probation period

·         Training & development opportunities

·         25 days annual leave pro-rata

·         Access to Defined Contribution Pension scheme and group VHI & HSF Health Cash Plans

·         Free onsite parking

·         Discounted Gym Member to onsite Sport Centre

·         Staff Canteen

·         Employee Assistance Service

·         Bike to Work Scheme

·         TaxSaver Scheme

The closing date for applications is Friday, 27thJune, 2025 at 4.00pm

As Ireland's largest charity working with those with physical disabilities, we especially welcome candidates from this demographic grouping.  We are also more generally a positive to disability employer interested in providing opportunities and employment to those who may be under-represented in the Irish population.

INDHP