About the Role
Loughs Agency is appointing a dedicated HR Manager. Reporting to the Director of Corporate Services, the postholder will lead the HR function and provide trusted, practical and authoritative advice to managers across the organisation in Northern Ireland and Ireland. This is an opportunity to shape how HR supports the Agency at an important point in its development.
Key Responsibilities
• Work with the Director of Corporate Services, Chief Executive and senior managers to develop and deliver HR priorities aligned with the Agency’s strategic and business plans.
• Lead, coach and develop the HR team, setting clear priorities, allocating work effectively and maintaining a responsive and professional service.
• Provide authoritative, practical advice and guidance to managers on employee relations matters, including conduct, capability, attendance, disciplinary and grievance issues.
• Support and advise on organisational change, helping managers communicate clearly, engage employees and address barriers to implementation.
• Lead the review, development and consistent implementation of HR policies, procedures and guidance, taking account of the Agency’s cross-jurisdictional operating context.
• Oversee recruitment, selection, appointment and onboarding activity, ensuring processes are fair, timely, compliant and provide a positive candidate experience.
• Support effective performance management, employee engagement, wellbeing, learning and development, workforce planning and succession activity.
• Build constructive working relationships with recognised trade unions and attend industrial relations meetings as required.
• Monitor employment legislation and good practice, identify implications for the Agency and recommend proportionate, workable responses.
• Develop and report meaningful HR measures and workforce information, using evidence to identify trends, risks, priorities and opportunities for improvement.
• Promote equality, diversity, inclusion, dignity at work and the fair and consistent treatment of employees.
• Maintain appropriate HR records, controls, confidentiality and data protection standards.
• Manage HR projects and external providers where required, ensuring value for money and delivery against agreed outcomes.
• Undertake any other duties reasonably required within the general level of responsibility of the post
Requirements
Essential criteria
• A degree in Human Resource Management or a related discipline.
• At least five years’ experience in HR management.
• Strong knowledge of employment legislation and evidence of applying it in a practical organisational setting.
• Proven experience of leading, coaching and developing HR staff or an HR team.
• Experience of advising managers on employee relations matters, including disciplinary and grievance cases.
• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder-management skills.
• A full current driving licence and willingness to travel occasionally across Northern Ireland and Ireland.
Desirable criteria
• A CIPD qualification, ideally at Chartered level.
• Knowledge of employment legislation in Ireland.
• Experience of supporting organisational change and helping managers and employees engage with new ways of working.
• Experience of working in a unionised and/or cross-jurisdictional environment
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted by CV. Your CV should give clear evidence of how you meet the essential criteria, including the relevant dates, scope of responsibility and your own contribution. It should not rely on job titles or assume that the panel will understand your employer or organisational structure. Please do not submit supplementary or additional information. Applications must be received by 12pm, Monday 21st September 2026.
Conscia Talent is running this competition on behalf of the Loughs Agency. Applications are to be made via the Conscia website at https://www.consciatalent.com/loughs-agency . All queries should be directed by to LoughsAgency@Consciatalent.com in the first instance.
Applications will not be considered beyond the closing date of 12pm Monday 21st September.
