Employee Relations Specialist

Vacancy Number:

28631

Category:

Human Resources

Job Type:

Full-time

Position Description

As an Employee Relations (ER) Specialist, you will play a key role in supporting ESB’s People & Sustainability team in fostering a positive and collaborative workplace. You will contribute to the delivery of effective employee relations across ESB by supporting industrial relations engagements with the ESB Group of Unions, critical employee relations processes, and providing expert guidance on ER matters to ensure the smooth implementation of initiatives aligned with ESB’s Net Zero 2040 strategy. You will play an essential part in promoting a positive workplace culture, mitigating ER risks, and supporting the ER team and wider HR personnel in handling sensitive and complex employee issues.

Success in this role requires proactive engagement, credible ER/HR experience, and a proven track record of sound judgment. The role holder must balance business needs with adherence to employee relations frameworks and demonstrate the ability to manage employee relations processes effectively.

Key Responsibilities

Manage a caseload of ER matters, providing timely and accurate advice to managers and HR personnel in line with policies and employment law.

Support case work by preparing documentation, interview notes, and outcome reports, and ensure all ER cases are concluded efficiently, consistently, and fairly, and a ct as a trusted adviser to managers and HR personnel on ER, HR policies, and workplace practices.

Provide coaching to managers to build ER capability and confidence, and s upport the delivery of training on key ER topics such as, Disciplinary & Grievance and Workplace Investigations, and Conflict Resolution.

Assist in maintaining constructive relationships with trade union representatives, support the preparation for and participation in consultation or negotiation meetings, and monitor and escalate emerging IR issues and trends.

Support the development and implementation of HR policies to ensure best practice and compliance, and e nsure all ER activity complies with employment legislation and company policies, maintain accurate and confidential ER records and case files, and identify trends in ER issues to recommend proactive measures that reduce risk.

Contribute to the delivery of key ER projects, change programmes, and policy review.

Analyse employee relations data to identify insights, trends, and opportunities for organisational improvement.

Experience and Qualifications

Essential

5+ years’ experience in a Human Resources or Employee Relations role.

Third level qualification or equivalent relevant work experience.

Strong attention to detail, with well-developed analytical and numerical skills.

Strong communication, presentation, and influencing skills with the ability to manage stakeholders' effectively.

Strong investigative and problem-solving skills, with the ability to address complex employee relations issues.

Ability to build credible and effective working relationships across all levels of the organisation.

High level of discretion, confidentiality, and sound professional judgment.

Candidates must possess a full, valid driving license.

Desirable

Third level qualification in Human Resources.

Working knowledge of employment legislation, Human Resource practices, policies and procedures.

Location

This position will be based in Fitzwilliam 27, Dublin 2. Regular travel to ESB sites and attendance at off-site meetings will be a feature of the role.

Smart Working at ESB is designed to make ‘in-person’ time together as purposeful as possible while also enabling the effective use of digital tools and hybrid arrangements to preserve our commitment to flexibility. The successful candidate may work flexibly within the jurisdiction where they have been employed, with attendance at the workplace for in-person collaboration at least two days per week . All Smart Working arrangements are subject to regular review based on the operational requirements of the role, the team, and the business.

Reporting To

Group Industrial Relations Manager

Why Work with Us?

Opportunity to lead Ireland’s transition to net zero carbon future

Career development through mentoring and training

Corporate Social Responsibility Opportunities

Sports and Social Clubs

Networking opportunities

Credit Union

Generous Pension

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

Salary

€59,900 - €70,500 per annum (depending on experience)

Closing Date

6th July 2026

Interview

Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will complete a Behavioural Interview based on each of the following Behaviours, which underpin how we work at ESB and are critical to delivering our strategy:

Accountable and Ethical

Collaborative

Growing and Adaptive

Proactive

Respectful and Supportive

More information available on Our People Promise.

Notes

Your application will be held in reserve for 6 months should you be suitable for the role.

The successful candidate will be required to evidence their right to work in the Republic of Ireland prior to commencement of empl oyment.

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, recruitment@esb.ie.

About ESB

Join us in our mission to achieve a net-zero electricity system by 2040. ESB is Ireland’s leading energy utility, with activities spanning electricity generation, transmission and distribution, energy supply, energy services and international consultancy. Operating in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain, we invest over €1 billion each year to deliver a new energy future based on reliable, affordable zero-carbon electricity.