Head of HR
Job Title: Head of Human Resources
Reporting to: Director of People and Change
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours of work: Full Time (35 Hours/week) Mon – Fri - 9am – 5pm
Location: The Society operates a hybrid working model with a combination of remote and in-person (Dublin office) working.
Office Days: Office attendance days are Wednesday Thursday weekly
Who We Are
Every three minutes, someone in Ireland hears the words ‘You’ve got cancer’. At the Irish Cancer Society, we understand the physical, emotional and financial impact a cancer diagnosis brings. And we are determined to do everything we can to help.
As Ireland’s leading cancer charity, we work across every area of cancer – from prevention and early detection, through to end-of-life care. We make a positive impact for people affected by cancer every day: investing in life-saving and life-changing research; providing practical, financial and emotional supports; and driving improvements in public cancer services.
Our people are at the heart of everything we do. in order to achieve our vision, we need to attract, recruit and support the best people, enabling them to be successful and fulfilled in their roles and facilitating the achievement of the Society’s strategic goals.
What you’ll do
The Head of HR will be responsible for providing leadership and direction to the HR team. Working with the HR Manager and wider team, you will lead the effective delivery of HR services in line with the People Strategy. This includes but is not limited to policy development and administration; pay and reward; employee relations; talent acquisition and development; learning and development; employee engagement and wellbeing; health and safety and facilities management.
The role reports directly to the Director of People and Change. You will work with the Director translating the People Strategy priorities into actionable programmes and initiatives.
Responsibilities
Develop, deliver and lead the execution of HR strategies and initiatives aligned with our People Strategy in order to drive organisational success;
Provide leadership to the HR team to ensure an excellent employee experience and pro-active service to the organisation;
Drive implementation of key programmes, spanning HR, facilities management and health and safety;
Work closely with Directors, Heads of Department and People Managers to provide HR support and consultation to the organisation, leading on complex queries about HR policies, initiatives and other HR-related topics;
Provide leadership and guidance to People Managers and the HR Team in dealing with employee relations issues effectively and compliantly, creating a fair, respectful and high-performance culture;
Lead the development and delivery of a robust Health, Safety and Wellbeing programme across all sites and activities ensuring Health and Safety compliance in line with obligations under legislation, as well as the Society’s Safety Statement, and engaging with stakeholder across all sites;
Ensure compliance with organisational policies, regulatory, professional and legal requirements. Ensure familiarity with employment law, health and safety legislation and data protection considerations. Proactively identify and prepare for legislative changes relevant to the work of the team;
Uphold and promote the Society’s values, demonstrating leadership on workplace equality, diversity and inclusion;
Deputise for the Director of People and Change when required;
Support the Director of People and Change in strategic planning, reporting and governance activities.
Who you are
A people person: You will have excellent stakeholder management and people skills. You’ll have an ability to bring together and inspire your direct team and people across the organisation. You work well with a wide range of people and build strong trusted relationships.
Passionate and proactive: You always keep employee experience front of mind and you will be proactive about identifying ways to improve the employee experience and ensure a consistent and fair experience for all.
A great communicator: You have excellent communication skills, whether talking to a team, engaging with staff at all levels across the organisation, delivering a presentation or writing reports. You produce high quality and engaging communications.
Technology savvy: you will have a high level of proficiency in the MS Office suite, and experience of working with databases and HR systems, as well as using technology to support internal processes.
A problem solver: You’re curious, enjoy figuring things out, finding solutions and working around and through issues. You’re able to identify and articulate risks and challenges, identify solutions and problem solve. You’re highly organised, logical, and clear thinking.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
The successful candidate will have:
A record of academic achievement that includes a relevant primary degree, or equivalent;
Significant proven experience in a Human Resources leadership or equivalent role (with experience in occupational health and safety). The Irish Cancer Society measures experience by the quality of the experience gained, rather than number of years worked;
Proven track record of developing, driving and delivering HR initiatives and programmes;
Demonstrable commitment to continuous improvement with a high degree of initiative and accountability;
Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop teams;
Demonstrable expertise training / coaching managers and employees;
Excellent written and spoken communications skills;
Strong judgement and decision-making capability, particularly in sensitive or complex situations;
Collaborative and solutions focused approach, with a commitment to fostering an inclusive and positive culture.
General
The Irish Cancer Society operates a no-smoking policy and the post holder must not smoke in the office or when on Society business outside the office;
Be willing to occasionally work outside of normal working hours;
All employees are required to be aware of their responsibilities towards health and safety and to adhere to fire regulations;
Maintain confidentiality at all times, and compliance with the Data Protection Act is an essential requirement;
This job description is not exhaustive; it merely acts as a guide and may be amended to meet the changing requirements of the Society at any time after discussion with the post holder.
How to apply
If you are interested in applying for this position, please send curriculum vitae and cover letter to Amanda Walsh, Recruitment Administrator, by email to [email protected]
The closing date for applications is 9th July 2026
Please note all CVs are logged through a third-party system for processing
The Irish Cancer Society is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive environment for all employees. We know that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.
WE DO NOT REQUIRE THE ASSISTANCE OF AGENCIES
Some of our benefits:
23 days Annual Leave a year or Pro Rata equivalent, plus public holidays, Good Friday and Christmas Eve (if it falls on a working day)
Service Days - Additional days awarded to reflect long service with the Society.
Sick Pay Scheme (following Probationary period)
Flexitime
Defined Contribution Pension Scheme - new starters will join the pension from the date of commencement of employment with the Society. The current contribution rate ranges from a contribution of 3%, 5% or a maximum of 8% of basic salary.
Group membership for VHI and HSF (health plans)
Bus/Rail Ticket Scheme and Cycle to Work Scheme
Death In Service Benefit (from commencement of employment)
Paid Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity, Adoptive, Force Majeure and compassionate Leave)
Learning and Development Programmes
Educational Assistance (Study and Examination Leave)
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
Optional Flu vaccine provided
