Senior Human Resources Business Partner

The IRFU are now accepting applications for the role of Senior Human Resources Business Partner.

The successful candidate will provide support to the HR team and your assigned business area(s) ensuring the effective operation of the Human Resources department. This position will involve performing duties of a sensitive and confidential nature.

This role is being offered on a full time, permanent basis. This role will be office based a minimum of 2.5 days per week, primarily based in the IRFU High Performance Centre in Blanchardstown, Sports Campus 2 days per week and the remaining days at our Head Office in Ballsbridge. However, flexibility will be required where more in office days are required. The IRFU reserves the right to request an employee to be flexible in his or her duties when the business need requires it.

The closing date for applications is strictly COB on 4pm Monday 9th June 2025. Interviews are expected to take place w/c 16th June 2025.

The IRFU are equal opportunity employers.

ROLE AND PURPOSE OF POSITION

To provide support to the HR team and your assigned business area(s) ensuring the effective operation of the Human Resources department. This position will involve performing duties of a sensitive and confidential nature.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

• Operational:      Head of HR
• Functional:        Chief People Officer   

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:            

• IRFU Managers, Heads of Departments and Directors
• IRFU Head of Legal
• Provincial HR Staff
• IRFU Payroll Administrator
• IRFU Office Staff
• IRFU Provincial Staff

KEY QUALITIES:

Essential:

• A third level qualification in HR
• Minimum of 3- 5 years relevant experience in a HRBP role
• Must be and experienced in managing employee relations / resolution of grievances and disputes
• Demonstrable experience working with Managers and Colleagues collaboratively and building trusted working relationships.
• Experience of working with a HR System
• Excellent teamwork skills
• Ability to work well in a fast paced environment
• Excellent attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work on own initiative
• Ability to deal with sensitive and confidential information in an appropriate manner
• Highly motivated and enthusiastic
• Full clean driving licence

RESPONSIBILITIES 

General areas of responsibility include:

• Provide assistance to the IRFU HR Team and HR Teams within the Provinces.
• Provide HR Business Partner support to all staff in High Performance and the High Performance Centre.
• Meet regularly with management to provide HR advice and support
• Manage the HR Payroll process
• Manage all the HR processes for your business area, including but not limited to:
  • recruitment
  • onboarding
  • inductions
  • probations
  • issuing of contracts
  • Monitor contract status & follow up with the relevant manager
  • Exit interviews
  • Administration of the IRFU Health Insurance
  • Update Head of HR with payroll information
  • Processing of employment permits and tracking permit end dates to ensure renewals are processed in time
  • Retirements
  • Maintaining HRIS
  • Pension Joiners
  • Management of benefits
  •  Annual leave audits and communications to staff at key times of the year
  • Ensuring required training is completed and maintained
  • Website updates including staff changes
• Manage the health insurance renewal for players
• Manage Coru Registrations /Nutritions Qualifications / Fitness Qualifications etc
• Manage the player movement process
• Manage the Employability Program
• Manage the data renewals for death in service and other benefits
• Provide advice and guidance to staff on HR policies and Procedures
• Manage HR projects as required
• Work closely with the HR team to promote a positive working environment through effective employee engagement initiatives.
• Manage employee relations issues, including disciplinary, investigations, grievances, redundancies
• Create Purchase Orders as required
• Lead the IRFU Mental Health First Aid Group
• Take the lead on all matters relating to GDPR regulations and ensure the HR dept. is fully compliant in this area
• Manage other HR initiatives as required
• Assist the HRBP for 10/12 & Naas during busy periods

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

• Maintain effective relationships with staff within the IRFU and provinces;
• Carry out duties and responsibilities as mentioned above to an effective and efficient standard;
• Establish efficient work practices;
• Portray a competent and professional image of the IRFU on behalf of the HR Department.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• KPI’s to be agreed with Head of HR, IRFU on an annual basis

Salary for this role is depending on experience.

Our benefits include:

• 22 days basic annual leave entitlement
• Employer pension contribution after 1 years service
• Family friendly policies
• Health insurance from 1st day
• Birthday leave
• Education assistance Programme
• IRFU Group Scheme – discounts from brands and retailers
• Wellness initiatives, including self care leave
• Bike to work scheme

Respect                   Excellence             Accountability            Integrity