HR Officer

Location: Newtownabbey

Reporting to: Group HR Manager

Employment Type: Full-time – Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (one day working from home)

About the Role

My client is seeking an experienced and people-focused HR Officer to join their Group HR team, supporting their portfolio across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations

• Provide practical and professional HR advice to General Managers, Heads of Department and line managers across the group.
• Manage and advise on employee relations matters.
• Support managers through formal and informal HR processes, ensuring matters are handled fairly, consistently and in line with company policy and applicable employment legislation.
• Attend, run and support formal meetings, investigations and hearings where required.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of employee relations cases.
• Identify recurring employee relations issues and recommend practical improvements to management.

HR Systems & Data

• Take ownership of the effective use and administration of the Group's HR systems.
• Ensure employee information, contracts, records and HR documentation are accurate, complete and maintained appropriately.
• Support managers in using HR systems effectively and provide training and guidance where required.
• Produce regular HR reports and management information, including headcount, turnover, absence, recruitment and employee relations data.
• Identify opportunities to improve HR processes through better use of systems, automation and data.
• Work with relevant internal and external stakeholders to resolve HR system issues and implement system improvements.
• Ensure HR processes and systems support the requirements of both Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland operations.

HR Support

• Develop strong working relationships with management teams across the business.
• Provide a visible HR presence and regular support the teams.
• Support managers in implementing HR policies, procedures and best practice consistently across the group.
• Assist with recruitment, onboarding and induction processes when required.
• Support employee engagement initiatives and internal HR projects.
• Assist with the review and development of HR policies and procedures.
• Support Group HR projects and initiatives across their portfolio.

Compliance & Best Practice

• Keep up to date with relevant employment legislation and HR best practice across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
• Ensure HR processes are applied consistently while recognising the different legislative requirements in each jurisdiction.
• Maintain appropriate levels of confidentiality when dealing with sensitive employee information.
• Support the business in maintaining accurate HR records and meeting data protection requirements.

Candidate specification:

You will be an experienced HR professional who is comfortable operating in a fast-paced, people-focused environment.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience in an HR Officer, HR Advisor or similar HR role.
• Has strong practical experience in employee relations.
• Is confident advising and supporting managers on HR issues.
• Has excellent knowledge of HR processes and employment legislation.
• Is comfortable working with HR systems and HR data and has the ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Has strong analytical skills
• Is a self-starter and able to work alone and as a team