Head of Human Resources

Role overview

This is a senior HR leadership opportunity with a respected not-for-profit organisation, working in partnership with Morgan McKinley. The position reports directly to the CEO and plays a central role in setting people strategy, strengthening organisational culture, and building leadership capability across a values-led operation that spans the Island of Ireland.

The successful candidate will serve as a trusted strategic partner, aligning people initiatives with wider organisational priorities while supporting long-term sustainability, talent attraction, staff development, and retention across staff, members, and volunteers.

Key responsibilities

• Create and implement a people strategy that supports the organisation’s mission, growth plans, and long-term resilience.
• Work closely with the CEO, senior leaders, and governance groups to improve culture, engagement, and overall effectiveness.
• Improve hiring, onboarding, retention, and the day-to-day experience of employees.
• Develop leadership capability and help strengthen succession planning across staff and volunteer structures.
• Take ownership of employee relations, governance matters, safeguarding, and strong HR practice.
• Expand learning and development initiatives for staff, members, and volunteers.
• Use data and organisational insight to guide decisions and drive more consistent ways of working.

Candidate profile

You should bring substantial senior HR leadership experience gained in a complex environment involving multiple stakeholders. A strong record of influencing executives and board-level stakeholders is important, along with solid expertise in organisational development, culture, and change.

The role will suit someone who is comfortable in a values-driven, member-led, or volunteer-led setting. You will need to be practical, emotionally intelligent, and able to build confidence and relationships across a diverse range of people. Strong knowledge of employment law, employee relations, and governance is essential.

Why this opportunity stands out

This is a rare chance to influence people strategy and workplace culture in a mission-led organisation, helping balance heritage and tradition with measured, sustainable change in a highly impactful leadership role.