Head of HR

Role Overview

The Irish Cancer Society is seeking a Head of Human Resources to lead its HR function and support the delivery of the organisation’s People Strategy. Reporting to the Director of People and Change, this permanent full-time role combines remote work with regular attendance at the Dublin office. The post works 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with office presence required on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

About the Organisation

The Irish Cancer Society is Ireland’s leading cancer charity. Its work spans prevention, early detection, treatment support, end-of-life care, research investment, and improvements in public cancer services. The organisation places a strong emphasis on its people, aiming to recruit, develop, and support talented staff so they can deliver meaningful outcomes for people affected by cancer.

Key Purpose of the Role

This position provides leadership for the HR team and ensures the effective delivery of HR services across the Society. The remit includes HR policy, pay and reward, employee relations, talent acquisition, learning and development, employee engagement, wellbeing, health and safety, and facilities management. The successful candidate will work closely with the Director of People and Change to convert strategy into practical programmes and initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Shape, implement, and oversee HR strategies and initiatives that support the People Strategy and contribute to organisational performance.
• Lead the HR team to deliver a high-quality employee experience and responsive service to staff across the organisation.
• Coordinate major programmes that span HR, facilities management, and health and safety.
• Partner with Directors, Heads of Department, and People Managers to advise on HR matters and resolve complex policy and people-related queries.
• Guide managers and the HR team in handling employee relations matters fairly, consistently, and in line with legal and organisational requirements.
• Design and deliver a strong health, safety, and wellbeing programme across all locations and activities, ensuring compliance with legislation and the Society’s Safety Statement.
• Maintain compliance with internal policies and with regulatory, professional, legal, employment law, health and safety, and data protection obligations.
• Monitor legislative developments and prepare the team for relevant changes.
• Promote and model the Society’s values, including equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.
• Act as deputy for the Director of People and Change when needed.
• Assist with strategic planning, reporting, and governance activities.

What You Need to Bring

The ideal candidate will be an accomplished people leader with strong stakeholder management skills and the confidence to influence at all levels. The role calls for someone proactive, highly organised, and capable of improving employee experience through thoughtful, practical solutions. Strong communication, sound judgement, and comfort using HR systems and Microsoft Office tools are essential.

Person Specification

• A relevant primary degree, or an equivalent academic qualification.
• Substantial experience in a senior HR leadership role, or a comparable position, including exposure to occupational health and safety. The Society assesses experience by quality and impact rather than years alone.
• A demonstrated history of developing and delivering HR initiatives and programmes.
• A strong commitment to continuous improvement, with initiative and personal accountability.
• Well-developed leadership and people management capability, including the ability to motivate and grow teams.
• Experience training and coaching managers and employees.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Good judgement and decision-making ability, especially in sensitive or complicated situations.
• A collaborative, solution-oriented style and a clear commitment to an inclusive and positive workplace culture.

Additional Requirements

• The organisation operates a no-smoking policy, and the successful candidate must not smoke in the office or when representing the Society outside the office.
• There may be an occasional need to work outside standard hours.
• All employees must understand and follow health and safety responsibilities, including fire regulations.
• Confidentiality must be maintained at all times, and compliance with data protection requirements is essential.
• The job outline is intended as a guide and may be updated after discussion to reflect changing organisational needs.
• Applicants should send a CV and cover letter by email to the Recruitment Administrator.
• The final date for applications is 9 July 2026.
• CVs are processed through a third-party system.
• The Society is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity, inclusion, and building a workplace where everyone can thrive.
• Agency assistance is not required.

Benefits

• 23 days of annual leave each year, or a pro rata equivalent, plus public holidays, Good Friday, and Christmas Eve when it falls on a working day.
• Additional service days are awarded in recognition of long service.
• Sick pay is available after the probationary period.
• Flexitime is offered.
• A defined contribution pension scheme is available from the first day of employment, with employee contribution options of 3%, 5%, or up to 8% of basic salary.
• Group VHI and HSF health plan membership.
• Bus/Rail Ticket Scheme and Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Death in Service benefit from commencement of employment.
• Paid family leave, including maternity, paternity, adoptive, force majeure, and compassionate leave.
• Learning and development programmes.
• Educational assistance, including study and examination leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Optional flu vaccination.

Working Pattern and Location

This is a hybrid role based in Dublin 4, County Dublin, Ireland, with a mix of remote work and in-person office attendance. The Society’s current office days are Wednesday and Thursday each week.

About the Role in Practice

The successful candidate will be expected to lead across policy, employee relations, learning, engagement, wellbeing, health and safety, and operational HR support, while helping senior leadership turn people priorities into measurable action.