Job Title: Deputy Head of People & Culture

Location: Merchants Court, Dublin 8

Reporting to: Head of People & Culture

Direct Reports: People & Culture Team (Operations, Engagement & Development)

Role Type: Hybrid (Minimum 3 days per week onsite)

Contract Type: Permanent Full Time

Hours: 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday

Starting Salary Range: €67,416 - €72,278

About MQI

Merchants Quay Ireland is a national voluntary organisation that helps people who are homeless and those caught in addiction. We provide frontline services, practical supports, pathways towards recovery and innovative responses to the issues of drug use and homelessness in Ireland. At MQI, we believe in supporting people with dignity and compassion, and that starts with the support we provide to our employees. We are committed to the ethos of Trauma Informed Care across all areas of service delivery and that extends to our People & Culture practices.

Summary

MQI are seeking a dynamic and capable individual to fulfil the role of Deputy Head of People & Culture with responsibility for HR Operations, Employee Engagement and Workforce Development. Reporting to the Head of People & Culture, the successful candidate will be accountable for the delivery of high‑quality, efficient and compliant HR services. 

This senior management role ensures that HR processes, systems, data management, and service delivery are aligned with MQI’s strategy, values, quality frameworks and regulatory obligations. 

The postholder will provide strong operational leadership, streamline practices across the employee lifecycle, and create a trusted and responsive HR service that supports managers and enhances employee experience. The role holder is accountable for delivering key aspects of the People & Culture pillar of the organisation strategy which relate to operational improvement, employee engagement and the ongoing development of our workforce.

Key Responsibilities

HR Service Delivery & Process Excellence

• Lead, develop and support the People & Culture team to continuously improve HR operational services across the full employee lifecycle and deliver improvements in HR workflows, digital systems and operational practices.
• Develop and implement internal quality management controls and practices for the People & Culture function.
• Ensure systems are in place to monitor compliance with HR procedures across services and managers are provided with adequate support and guidance.

Recruitment, Onboarding & Induction

• Ensure best practice policies and frameworks are in place and drive the development and implementation of recruitment strategies.
• Oversee end‑to‑end recruitment process in collaboration with Hiring Managers and the People & Culture Team.
• Ensure relevant monitoring and reporting mechanisms are in place to provide operational insights and support workforce planning.
• Own and continuously improve the organisation‑wide onboarding and induction approaches.
• Manage organisation recruitment in line with headcount and operational budgets.
• Define and promote the organisation’s Employee Value Proposition.

Payroll, Benefits & Reward

• Maintain rigorous quality control over internal policies, processes and procedures to enable accurate and timely processing of payroll and compliance with statutory pay and benefits obligations.
• Oversee the administration of all employee benefits including the occupational pension scheme and manage supplier relationships and contracts.
• Ensure a fit for purpose Employee Assistance Scheme is in place.
• Play a lead role with the implementation of compliance obligations for Pay Transparency Act ensuring requisite job architecture and remuneration structures are in place.
• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive remuneration structures and a total rewards approach which aligns with organisation and sector standards.
• Conduct salary benchmarking exercises to inform fair and transparent pay structures.
• Manage compensation review processes and the application of statutory pay agreements.
• Support the People & Culture Team and Managers to effectively manage leave entitlements.

HR Systems, Data Quality & Governance

• Act as system owner for HR Locker ensuring accurate, timely and secure data.
• Drive enhancements, automation, and reporting capability across HR systems.
• Produce regular workforce reports including headcount, turnover, leave metrics, statutory reporting and management information for the MQI Leadership Team and Board.
• Ensure full compliance with GDPR legislation, and internal governance frameworks.

Employee Engagement

• Oversee the development and delivery of an employee engagement plan, aligned with the People & Culture strategy pillars.
• Lead on staff engagement initiatives including recognition schemes and employee surveys.
• Oversee the development and delivery of EDI initiatives.
• Oversee the development and delivery of a Wellbeing initiatives.
• Oversee internal communications ensuring that the employee intranet site is maintained and developed to improve messaging and employee experience.
• Collaborate with managers and operational teams to enhance communication and employee voice across the organisation.
• Collaborate with P&C and Operational Management to develop and implement targeted employee retention strategies.

Employee & Workforce Development

• Oversee the work of the L&D Manager and provide support with achieving operational training requirements and organisational strategic L&D related objectives.
• Oversee the development of the Learning & Development function.

Team Leadership & Capability Development

• Lead and support the People & Culture team in delivering a professional, responsive service.
• Manage workload allocation, performance and capability development within the team.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration and learning within the People & Culture function.
• Partner with the Employee Relations Manager on operational and strategic projects.
• Undertake such other duties as might be reasonably assigned from time to time in consultation with the Head of People & Culture.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Minimum of 8 years’ relevant experience, including substantial operational responsibility.
• Proven track record in managing, mentoring, and developing HR teams to achieve organisational objectives.
• Experience collaborating effectively with senior stakeholders across multiple functions.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Irish employment law, GDPR, and HR governance requirements.
• Relevant third-level qualification in HR, Business, or a related discipline.
• In-depth understanding of the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, development, retention, and offboarding.
• Advanced proficiency in HR systems, data analysis, and reporting to support evidence-based decision making.
• Demonstrated ability to streamline HR processes and lead operational improvements.
• Demonstrated ability to manage HR projects from conception to completion.

Desirable

• Chartered membership of CIPD or equivalent professional body.
• Experience with change management and organisational transformation projects.
• Experience in the non-profit sector.
• Knowledge and experience of Trauma Informed Practice.

Skills, Competencies & Personal Attributes

• Strong organisational skills with a process-driven mindset
• Ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks effectively in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, with a proven track record of building positive relationships across all levels of the organisation.
• High attention to detail and ability to maintain data accuracy and confidentiality.
• Ability to work well under pressure, demonstrating flexibility and resilience when managing competing priorities and deadlines.
• Demonstrated leadership and coaching capabilities, with experience in developing and motivating high-performing teams.
• Exemplary professional judgement, discretion, and ethical standards when handling sensitive information.
• Strong problem-solving skills and confidence in managing complexity.
• Proactive commitment to the organisation’s mission, values, and trauma-informed, person-centred approach.

Equal Opportunity

Merchants Quay Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.