People Director

About the role

Our client is a large, operationally critical organisation undergoing a major cultural and organisational transformation. The People Director will shape and execute a people strategy that unifies disparate operations, systems and cultures into a high‑performing, compliant organisation.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a comprehensive People strategy aligned with the transformation agenda.
• Audit, redesign and implement people systems, processes, compliance and management practices.
• Lead strategic HR functions including workforce planning, talent acquisition, learning & development, employee and industrial relations, and inclusion.
• Build a proactive industrial‑relations approach, partnering with recognised employee representatives.
• Lead and develop the People team to ensure future‑ready capability.
• Leverage people insights to inform decision‑making and measure progress.
• Contribute to overall business strategy as a member of the Executive Team.

Required profile

• Significant senior HR leadership experience in a complex, operational environment.
• Proven track record of delivering organisational change, transition or cultural transformation.
• Experience auditing existing practices and translating findings into actionable strategies.
• Broad expertise across the full employee lifecycle, including workforce planning, talent, learning, employee relations and organisational development.
• Strong understanding of Irish employment law and industrial relations, or ability to acquire expertise quickly.
• Successful experience working within a unionised environment.
• Resilience, sound judgement and ability to manage long‑term transformation while overseeing day‑to‑day HR operations.

Required skills

• Knowledge of Irish employment legislation.
• Industrial‑relations expertise.

What we offer

• Opportunity to lead a major people and cultural transformation.
• Highly influential Executive Team role within a complex operational business.
• Scope to create a consistent employee experience across the organisation.
• Chance to build systems, leadership capability and culture that will support future growth.