Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Head of People & Culture is responsible for the strategic leadership and direction of the Human Resources division in the achievement of the HR business objectives, programmes and initiatives underpinned by people KP’s, which will support IFI in achieving its strategic corporate goals. IFI is about to launch a new strategic corporate plan (2026-2030) in which people and culture will be at its core. The successful candidate will be responsible for the design and delivery of a people and culture strategy, which will empower, grow and develop IFI’s workforce to deliver on this new strategic and transformational direction.
The successful candidate will be a ‘thought leader’ who will be responsible for the strategic leadership of a dedicated Human Resources function within IFI and the implementation of a diverse range of HR themes and enablers. These will include the alignment of the people in IFI to a changing operating model, identifying key talent, building leadership capability, creating the succession plans, and enhancing employee engagement & relations, while ultimately driving a high-performance culture.
The successful candidate will be a transformational change leader and will also have a record of continuous development and innovation in their career to date and will be required to demonstrate the highest standards of professional integrity. The successful candidate will be a self- starter, possessing the necessary management and interpersonal skills and ability to lead teams in complex environment, which delivers for the business.
ABOUT US
Inland Fisheries Ireland are the environmental agency responsible for protecting, managing and conserving Ireland's inland fisheries and sea angling resources.
More information can be found by visiting our website.
VISION, MISSION & VALUES
Vision
To place the inland fisheries resource in the best sustainable position possible for the benefit of future generations.
Mission
To protect, manage and conserve Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resources and to maximise their sustainability and natural biodiversity.
Values
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We work collaboratively with professionalism
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We are open, transparent and accountable
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We act with respect and integrity
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We are committed to stewardship and sustainability
KEY FOCUS
Strategic Leadership
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Play a proactive role in the leadership of IFI, as a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and a People & Culture champion with the Board. Work closely with the Chief Executive and ELT, as the trusted partner to guide and advice the business and ensure that HR provides a ‘value added’ service.
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Work collaboratively with the Heads of functions and Line Managers to support them in their people management responsibilities and the development of high-performance culture.
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Support the governance of the organisation, by developing strategies, policies and programmes which get ‘buy in’ from a range stakeholders across the organisation.
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Work closely with the Executive Leadership Team & the Board of Directors in developing the strategic direction of IFI’s People capability. This includes developing annual and multi-annual strategies and implementation plans.
Human Resources - Strategic
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Develop and implement HR strategies, policies, and programmes aligned with IFI’s goals and objectives.
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Foster and drive a transformational change agenda, which will support the strategic vision and goals of IFI.
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Collaborate with senior management to understand business needs and develop HR initiatives that drive employee engagement, productivity, and organisational success.
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Provide oversight and high-level management of their implementation ensuring that an appropriate suite of people KPIs is in place.
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Design an organisational structure to deliver on the strategic and operational objectives of IFI. Development action plans to successfully achieve implementation of the strategic objectives of IFI, including workforce planning.
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Design and implement relevant stakeholder communication and engagement plans which will enhance the organisational culture.
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Create and foster ‘a learning organisation’ where staff can grow and develop and ‘to be the best that they can be’.
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Work closely with key stakeholders to enhance IFI as an employer which is diverse and inclusive.
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Play a proactive role in promoting and embedding sustainability principles and practices across the people landscape.
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Develop, coordinate and report on IFI’s Equality and Human Rights responsibilities.
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Proactively lead the Human Resources Division’s contribution to ensure that IFI is effective, efficient, and relevant to its stakeholders.
Human Resources - Operational
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Oversee the full range of HR functions including talent acquisition, onboarding, performance management, employee relations, learning and development, compensation and benefits and HR compliance.
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Contribute, as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, to the development and implementation of successive IFI strategies and workplans to supporting operational delivery.
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Lead, motivate and manage the Human Resources Division in the delivery of excellent standards of Human Resource management and support services.
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Cultivate a positive IR/ER environment and engage proactively with the relevant trade unions on the resolution of disputes and complaints.
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Identify opportunities for and source additional exchequer and non-exchequer funding, as it applies to the Human Resources Division.
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Ensure compliance with Department of Finance, Revenue Commissioners and C&AG regulations and other relevant legislation and reporting, as it applies to the Human Resources Division.
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Oversee the development, maintenance, and implementation of a Risk Management culture in IFI as it applies to the Human Resources Division.
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Oversee the development, maintenance, and implementation of a capability to meet Corporate Governance requirements including compliance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies as it applies to the Human Resources Division of IFI.
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Advise and lead the development of Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) and solutions that enable HR, Line Managers and Staff to avail of a more user friendly and accessible HR Service offering.
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Interact with IFI’s Board and committees as required, to deliver on the strategic and operational priorities assigned.
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Ensure that the assets and reputation of the organisation are properly protected and that the functions of the Head of People & Culture are discharged in accordance with legislation.
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Represent IFI as required and liaise with relevant external bodies, agencies, and organisations.
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Ensure a value for money approach is taken to the management of budgets and in the delivery of services throughout the Human Resources Division
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Ensure compliance with the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights requirements.
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Perform such other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the CEO or nominee.
General duties
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Coach and develop your team to enable them to meet their full potential and to contribute effectively towards IFI’s Strategic priorities.
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Establish, implement, and manage the learning and development needs of your team to meet the needs of the organisation.
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Manage and monitor the relevant department budgets, using resources effectively and efficiently and taking account of financial procedures.
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Keep abreast of sector and HR data trends and developments to identify their potential to inform the achievement of organisational and operational priorities.
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Undertake any other duties as may be reasonably prescribed by IFI.
The purpose of this job description is to focus on the main responsibilities of the role. The list of duties for which the postholder is responsible may, within reason, vary at the discretion of IFI.
KEY KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Qualifications
Essential
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A bachelor’s degree in human resources management or a business degree which includes HR or Have a recognised professional qualification at NFQ Level 8 or equivalent in Human Resources.
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A minimum 7 years’ experience in a Senior Leadership Role to include significant HR dimensions
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Considerable previous experience in a relevant senior position, including relevant strategic experience and responsibility at Board or Senior Leadership level.
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Have a full driving licence valid in the state.
Desirable
Knowledge
Essential
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The ability to create and deliver people strategies and policies.
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Leadership acumen and experience of using metrics for driving performance.
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In-depth knowledge of HR best practices, employment law and regulations.
Desirable
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Familiar with and/or have experience in public sector human resources, including workforce planning, recruitment and selection, employee relations, and HR policy implementation within a government or public service context.
Skills
Essential
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A pro-active attitude and a passion for leading with integrity
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Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.
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Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities to address complex HR challenges and drive initiatives.
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Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities
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The ability to develop and nurture relationships across departments
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The successful candidate will have a track record of influencing, operating, and implementing at a senior level, delivering a professional and results focused HR service and have experience of negotiating the complexities of transformational change.
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A proven track record in the areas of organisational development, change management, leadership development and talent management.
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Excellent influencing, negotiating, and networking skills at a senior level.
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A track record in conflict management/resolution and engaging with trade unions on IR/ER matters in a highly unionised environment.
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Proven experience in managing individual and collective cases, which require WRC, Labour Court or other IR third party interventions.
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A track record in performance management.
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A track record of delivering against strategic goals.
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A track record of significant achievement and delivery at a senior managerial level in a large and complex services environment.
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A track record of being professional in approach, being team oriented, and being consultative & decisive.
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A track record of delivering against annual business plans and in budgetary development and management.
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Have a high level of computer literacy with a high level of proficiency in using progressive HRIS, HR analytics and other HR technology platforms.
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Can meet the travel requirements of the post, including working outside of normal hours, as necessary.
STANDARDS IN PUBLIC OFFICE
The Head of People & Culture comply fully with the relevant provisions of the Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 and 2001.
REMUNERATION
The salary scale for the position is at the level of Principal Officer (Head of Function) as applies in Inland Fisheries Ireland, it is a 7-point scale including 2 long service increments (LSI’s):
Point 1 €104,819.29; Point 2 €109,315.88; Point 3 €113,782.32; Point 4 €118,283.22; Point 5 €122,075.61; Point 6 (LSI 1) €126,010.12; Point 7 €129,938.20
(IFI Principal Officer (Head of Function) Salary Scale as of 01/08/2025).
Candidates should note that salary will not be subject to negotiation and the rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. New entrants to the public sector will start on point 1 subject to Haddington Road Agreement and subsequent Government Agreements.
LOCATION
This role will be based at IFI’s office in Citywest Business Campus Dublin D24 CK66.
TENURE
This post is offered on a permanent contract basis.
APPLICATIONS & SELECTION PROCESS
A cover letter and up to date Curriculum Vitae should be submitted by 5.00 pm on Friday 28th of November 2025.
Late applications will not be processed.
Short listing will be based on information provided in the Cover Letter and CV.
Canvassing will disqualify.
Inland Fisheries Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.
