Chief Human Resources Officer

We are partnering with a leading Irish university to appoint a dynamic Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). This pivotal executive leadership role is responsible for shaping HR strategy, driving organisational effectiveness and delivering a modern, data‑driven HR function. Reporting to the COO, it offers a rare opportunity to influence the future HR landscape of a major national institution and to lead a transformational agenda with wide organisational impact.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong alignment with the organisation’s values of Inclusion, Impact, Excellence and Respect, and will bring exceptional communication, influencing and stakeholder‑management skills. They will possess high levels of resilience and sound judgement, with the ability to lead effectively through complexity and change.

The Role

• Lead HR strategy, workforce planning and organisational design.
• Oversee talent acquisition, development, performance management and HR operations.
• Drive HR transformation, including digitisation and process automation.
• Guide industrial relations and ensure compliance with legislation and governance frameworks.
• Build a culture of transparency, accountability, inclusion and high performance.
• Represent the organisation with senior external stakeholders and national bodies.
• Lead and develop a team of senior HR leaders across key HR functions.

Requirements

• A relevant Level 8 qualification (minimum).
• 5+ years’ senior HR leadership experience in a large, complex organisation.
• Proven experience driving strategic HR, major change programmes and organisational development.
• Strong capability in HR systems, analytics and evidence‑based decision‑making.
• Experience managing diverse teams and influencing at executive and board level.
• A strong commitment to inclusion, equality and cultural transformation.

Desirable: Level 9+, MCIPD/FCIPD, experience in public sector/higher education, HR transformation, industrial relations, workforce planning or HR partnering models.