Head of HR Partnering and Resourcing

School/Department:                  Human Resources 

Job Category and Level:            Professional, Administrative & Support; Senior Administrative 3 

Contract Duration:                      Permanent, Full-Time

The Purpose of the Role 

The Head of HR Partnering and Resourcing is a senior position within Trinity’s HR function, responsible for two key areas: the HR Partnering team and Resourcing team. Reporting to the Director of HR and sitting on the HR Senior Management Team, the role holder will play a key role in contributing to the shape and delivery of Trinity’s people strategy, with a strong emphasis on service excellence and organisational effectiveness. 

This role will provide direction to the HR Partnering team, ensuring high-quality, consistent delivery of HR services and advice across all areas of the University. At the same time, it will support each HR Partner to respond effectively to the unique strategic and operational needs of the Faculties and Divisions they serve. 

In addition, the role holder will have accountability for the University's Resourcing function, with direct line management of the Resourcing Manager. They will be accountable for ensuring a professional, efficient, and responsive recruitment service that meets the needs of stakeholders across Trinity and complies with public sector policy, best practice, and relevant employment legislation. 

Working closely with senior leaders across the University, the Head of HR Partnering and Resourcing will provide expert HR advice on workforce planning, HR services, employee engagement, and change management. They will also contribute to the development and implementation of HR strategies that support Trinity’s broader institutional goals. 

The successful candidate will bring a strategic mindset, a commitment to inclusive leadership, and a track record of managing high-performing teams. They will drive continuous improvement, foster collaboration across the HR function, and contribute to building a culture where all colleagues can thrive.

Context 

Trinity’s Human Resources Department is a professional unit of approximately 70 staff, structured into key functional areas, each led by a Head who sits on the HR Senior Management Team. This role reports directly to the Director of Human Resources and is a key member of the senior Management Team. 

The Head of HR Partnering and Resourcing plays a central role in connecting the HR function with the wider University, leading a team of HR Partners and overseeing the Resourcing team to ensure strategic and operational HR support is delivered consistently and effectively across all Faculties and Divisions. 

The University has recently approved a new Strategic Plan (2025–2030), with a strong emphasis on improving the staff experience, promoting a culture of inclusion and wellbeing, and creating a thriving workplace. In this context, Trinity is developing a new Human Resources and People Strategy to support the institution’s evolving needs. 

The role holder will work closely with the Director of HR, senior academic and administrative leaders, and colleagues across the HR function to implement this new strategy. They will play a vital role in promoting Trinity as an employer of choice, embedding new behavioural values across the organisation, and strengthening the University’s capacity in areas such as workforce planning, leadership development, recruitment, and organisational change. 

Informal enquiries may be directed to the HR Director, Mr Séamus McManus: Director.HR@tcd.ie

Person Specifications 

The role-holder will require the following knowledge, skills and attributes for successful performance in the role. 

Qualifications 

• 3rd level degree (minimum NFQ level 8 or equivalent), in Human Resource Management, Learning / Organisational Development, Psychology or other relevant field (essential) 

• Membership of a HR / People professional body such as the CIPD or equivalent.