Head of Industrial Relations & Employment Services

The Organisation

The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) is the voice of the Irish Construction Industry.  CIF is a member-led representative organisation, providing a broad range of services that help our members in navigating the political, business, economic and regulatory environment.

The Role

The Industrial Relations (IR) and Employment Services function implements the policies and directions set out by the CIF’s IR sub-committee.  It provides information, advice and support to members on managing their workforce to ensure compliance with employment protective legislation. It represents members at meetings with trade unions/employee representatives, the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court. The team also provides construction-specific guidance and support to ensure compliance with legislation.

The CIF is seeking to recruit an experienced expert with exemplary knowledge of IR, employment law and HR management practice to lead a small and productive team in providing an exceptional professional service to member organisations.  The role will be responsible for maintaining strong and constructive relationships with trade unions, ensuring effective collective engagement, and providing strategic counsel to the Senior Leadership Team on all industry-relevant IR matters.

This is a key role requiring significant experience in unionised environments and/or a proven track record of leading complex IR negotiations and organisational change programmes.  Experience within the construction, engineering, infrastructure or related sectors is highly desirable. This role is based in the Dublin office but some travel will be required.  The role will benefit from our remote working policy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a small productive team of IR & HR professionals to deliver a professional and informed service to members.
• Take a leading role in developing and implementing CIF’s strategy on IR and HR issues and deliver effective solutions for the industry and its members.
• Working closely with the IR and Employment Services sub-committee, represent CIF in all negotiations with the trade unions at national level on the National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC).
• Manage claims lodged by trade unions through the relevant IR sub-Committees, Associations and Executive Body.
• Represent CIF in negotiations with the trade unions, including at the WRC and Labour Court.
• Represent the ECA in all negotiations with Connect Trade Union at the Electrical National Joint Industrial Council (ENJIC) and MEBSCA in all negotiations with Connect and Unite in the mechanical sector, and both in relation to the wider construction sector.
• Ensure members are kept abreast of new employment-related legislation and provide industry-specific guidance to members on the impact of new legislation on employers in the construction industry.
• Represent individual members in cases taken by employees at the WRC and Labour Court.
• Represent CIF on LEEF sub-Committees i.e. Employment sub-Committee, Pensions sub-Committee and Technical sub-Committee on the Transposition of EU Directives.
• Develop and deliver on the full spectrum of HR and employment services to member companies using HR guides, social media platforms and the IR/ HR section of the CIF website.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with member organisations, other social partners, relevant government departments, the Labour Court and the Workplace Relations Commission.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with recognised trade unions and employee representative groups.
• Deliver effective resolutions to industrial disputes for the industry, its members and member associations including leading on collective bargaining negotiations, pay agreements, SEO (Sectoral Employment Orders) and the provision of IR support in managing any third party referrals.

• Maintain extensive knowledge and ensure compliance with relevant case law and developments relating to employment matters and issues affecting the CIF and its members.
• Plan and coordinate with colleagues in the Membership team in the development and growth of the membership numbers and strengthening existing relationships.
• Be an articulate, well-informed and effective advocate on behalf of the CIF and its members.
• Develop proactive employee relations strategies to minimise industrial relations risk and support industry stability.
• Manage and lead across a range of policy and committee areas as required.

About the person

The successful candidate will be an accomplished HR and Industrial Relations leader with substantial senior experience.

• Candidates must have a relevant degree in HR/IR/Law/Business or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years progressive HR and Industrial Relations experience.
• Candidates must have extensive experience managing union relationships and leading collective bargaining negotiations with a demonstrated record of success in helping resolve industrial disputes and other employee related issues.
• Candidates must have excellent knowledge of the Irish employment law and industrial relations frameworks.
• Exceptional stakeholder management, negotiation and influencing skills.
• Candidates would ideally have a good understanding of the role of a representative organisation serving the needs of businesses, strongly committed to serving the needs of members and member Associations, keeping them updated and advised on HR/IR changes or developments.
• Candidates must have excellent oral and written communication skills, capable of producing detailed submissions.
• Exposure to Executive Committee and board-level leadership.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted by email to [email protected] . Please clearly state the role that you are applying for in your application and please quote the following reference in the email subject line Job Ref CIF202605 Head of Industrial Relations & Employment Services. In your application, please include the following:

1. A cover letter outlining your relevant skills and experience and why you would like to be considered for the position.
2. A comprehensive CV demonstrating your career achievements and experience to date.

In preparing your application, please consider the essential criteria required for this position.

Closing Date

Applications will not be accepted after 12^th November 2026

The CIF is an equal opportunities employer.

In line with the Employment Equality Acts 1998 – 2015, the CIF is committed to equality of treatment for all those who engage with its recruitment, selection and appointment processes.