Employee Relations Specialist

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 act 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 support 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 ensure 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

• Accountable and Ethical
• Collaborative
• Growing and Adaptive
• Proactive
• Respectful and Supportive

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.