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Senior Manager, People Operations

 
Vacancy Number:  26862
Category:  Human Resources
Job Type:  Full-time
 
 

We are seeking an experienced and strategic People Operations Manager to join ESB.  This is a senior leadership position within our Enterprise Services Business Unit, responsible for delivering a seamless, efficient, and engaging employee experience across the full employee lifecycle.  

The successful candidate will lead a team of approximately 100 professionals across talent acquisition, onboarding, total rewards, learning and development, payroll, and HR administration. As the first point of contact for employee queries via our People Helpline and portal, the team plays a vital role in shaping the day-to-day employee experience. 

This role is central to supporting ESB’s Net Zero Strategy by fostering a motivated, purpose-driven workforce and a culture of continuous improvement. 

The ideal candidate will be a high-calibre professional with a proven track record in People Operations, leading a team of HR professionals, capable of driving transformative change and delivering measurable results.  

 

Key Responsibilities 

  • Strategic Leadership: 
    Develop and implement strategies across recruitment, onboarding, rewards, learning, payroll, and HR administration, aligned with ESB’s business goals and sustainability strategy. 

  • Innovation & Continuous Improvement: 
    Stay ahead of trends in people operations. Introduce best practices and technologies to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency. 

  • Employee Engagement: 
    Design and implement initiatives to measure and improve employee engagement, morale, and alignment with ESB’s purpose and values. 

  • Change Management: 
    Lead and support organisational change through clear, empathetic communication and structured transition plans. 

  • Team Leadership: 
    Inspire and guide a multidisciplinary team. Provide mentorship, set performance standards, and foster a high-performing, collaborative culture. 

  • Stakeholder Engagement: 
    Build strong relationships across the organisation to ensure alignment and support for people initiatives. 

  • Operational Excellence: 
    Ensure compliance with HR governance, data protection, and system integrity. Oversee accurate HR data management and reporting. 

  • Budget & Vendor Management: 
    Manage the People Operations budget and external vendor relationships to ensure cost-effective, high-quality service delivery. 

 

What We’re Looking For 

  • Proven experience leading People Operations or HR service delivery teams in a complex organisation. 

  • Strong strategic thinking and execution skills. 

  • Demonstrated ability to lead change and drive innovation. 

  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills. 

  • Data-driven decision-making capabilities. 

  • High emotional intelligence and cultural awareness. 

  • Passion for continuous improvement and employee experience. 

 

Qualifications & Experience 

  • A third-level qualification is essential. 

  • CIPD membership is desirable. 

  • Minimum 10 years’ experience in People Operations or related roles, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership capacity 

 

Location   

This position is based in ESB Head Office, 27 Fitzwilliam Street Lower, Dublin 2.   

ESB is committed to smart working – combining digital tools with a culture of trust and empowerment to enable flexible ways of working. The successful candidate may work flexibly within their jurisdiction with attendance at the workplace for in-person collaboration on at least one anchor day per week. All smart working arrangements are subject to policy, manager approval and ongoing review, based on the operational requirements of the role, the team, and the individual.   

   

Why ESB?   

  • Opportunity to lead and operate on frontline of Ireland’s transition to net zero future 

  • Embracing & facilitating a Smart Working Future / Hybrid Working 

  • Career development through mentoring, and training  

  • Corporate Social Responsibility Opportunities 

  • Active Social & Sports Clubs 

  • Networking opportunities 

  • Credit Union 

  • Generous Pension Contributions 

  • Access to Staff Well Being programmes 

  • Generous parents leave entitlements 

  • Great team environment working to our Core Values – Courageous, Caring, Driven and Trusted 

  • ESB has a comprehensive Diversity and Inclusion Programme 

  

 

 

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.
 

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