Group Head of Employee Relations & Employee Policy, ESB

THE ORGANISATION

ESB is a large and complex purpose-led company operating across the electricity market, from generation through transmission and distribution, to supply of our customers in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain. ESB also operates in other regions through its international energy consulting business. A new strategy was introduced in 2021, “driven to make a difference: Net Zero by 2040” and has an articulated purpose to “deliver a brighter future for the customers and communities we serve”.

ESB employs approximately 8,000 people across the Island of Ireland and GB and has announced plans to recruit an additional 1,000 people over the next three years. With a significant proportion of the workforce represented by Trade Unions, the ESB Industrial Council and Group of Unions are very important parts of the ER & IR environment at ESB. It is equally important to ensure that the voice of the employee is heard and reflected in the design of the employee experience. A recent three year pay deal has been agreed, in addition to other significant agreements, providing the framework for the next stage of ESB’s journey.

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THE ROLE

As a member of the People & Organisational Development Leadership team and reporting to the Executive Director (P&OD) the primary purpose of the role of Group Head of Employee Relations and Employee Policy is to establish and oversee the implementation of the employee relations strategy, framework and employee policies in support of ESB business strategy and aligned with ESB values.  

You will lead a team of expert Employee Relations and Policy technical partners to progress the strategy at business unit level, focussing on a positive ER climate that enables sustained, trusted, successful organisational change. You will ensure that the relationship between ESB and its people is managed appropriately through the establishment of best practice policies & procedures whilst recognising, the changing nature of work, the voice of the employee, ESB culture and values.  You will also lead on all collective bargaining, information, and consultation processes with Trade Unions. You will support your HR colleagues and business leaders by providing employee relations and employment policy advice, guidance, insight and expertise to enable effective and positive outcomes and solutions. You will represent ESB at relevant fora including ER/IR institutions such as ESB Industrial Council, Labour Court and Workplace Relations Commission. You will partner with all relevant internal functional groups such as, Internal Audit, Legal and others to ensure a coherent and constructive best practice approach is in place to deliver on the ER strategy.

THE PERSON

This is an outstanding opportunity to join one of Ireland’s leading organisations. Your background will include significant experience and leadership in an ER/IR complex environment. You will have attained a relevant 3rd level qualification with further qualifications in mediation, employment law and/or advanced CIPD being highly desirable.

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This Search Assignment was managed by:

Tom Keane, Partner
Email: tom.keane@lansdownesearch.ie
Mobile: (087) 741 3085

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