Employee Relations Officer

 
Vacancy Number:  28578
Category:  Human Resources
Job Type:  Full-time
 

Position Description 

As an Employee Relations Officer, you will play a key role in supporting ESB’s People & Sustainability team in creating a positive and collaborative workplace. You will contribute to the delivery of the employee relations strategy, manage industrial relations engagements with the ESB Group of Unions, oversee critical employee relations (ER) processes, and provide expert advice to business leaders to ensure the smooth implementation of initiatives that are aligned with ESB’s Net Zero 2040 strategy.

 

This role is primarily dedicated an assigned business unit within the ESB Group  while also supporting key corporate-level employee relations processes and projects. You will work closely with Senior Manager and HR Business Partners is on employee relations matters and policy implementation. Success in this role requires proactive engagement, credible 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 lead and manage employee relations processes effectively.

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Contribute to the development and rollout of ER initiatives aligned with ESB’s broader People & Sustainability strategy.
  • Oversee the handling of employee cases, including grievances, disciplinary, and workplace investigations.
  • Manage relationships with trade unions and lead assigned negotiations and consultations with trade unions or employee representatives.
  • Assist in creating, interpreting, and communicating HR policies and procedures, ensuring legal and regulatory compliance.
  • Provide guidance to managers and employees on ER/HR best practices, positive workplace behaviours, and performance management protocols. 

 

Experience and Qualifications

Essential

  • 7+ 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 maange internal and external 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

€71,900 - €84,600 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 employment.  

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.