HR Associate

HR Associate Location: The Irish Times Group, Dublin (Hybrid Working Available)Department: Group Human ResourcesReports to: Group Head of HR OperationsContract: 2 Year FTCAbout The Irish Times GroupThe Irish Times Group is home to some of Ireland’s most trusted news and media brands, including The Irish Times, The Irish Examiner, The Echo, MyHome.ie, RecruitIreland, ScoreBeo and RIP.ie. Guided by the principles of The Irish Times Trust, we are committed to independent journalism, innovation, and the development of our people.As we continue to grow and modernise our people experience, we are now seeking an enthusiastic and detail-oriented HR Associate to join our Group HR team.Role OverviewThis is an excellent opportunity for an early-career HR professional to gain broad exposure across the full HR lifecycle. The HR Associate will play a key role in the smooth running of Group HR operations, supporting HR administration, internal communications, recruitment processes, payroll administration, early-career talent programmes, and the upkeep of our HR information system, PersonioKey ResponsibilitiesHR Administration & OperationsProvide day-to-day HR administrative support across the Group.Maintain employee records to a high standard, ensuring data accuracy and compliance in Personio.Prepare HR documentation, including contracts, letters, onboarding paperwork, and policy updates.Support the coordination of HR processes such as performance cycles, promotions, and internal moves.Internal CommunicationsWork with the Group HR Director to create, draft, format and distribute internal HR communications in a clear, engaging, and timely manner.Support the management of HR updates across internal platforms.Recruitment & OnboardingProvide administrative support throughout the hiring cycle, including job postings, interview scheduling, candidate communication, and reference checks.Support onboarding processes and ensure a smooth experience for new colleagues.Payroll & HRIS SupportAssist with monthly payroll administration, including updates to HRIS data, allowances, deductions, and employee queries.Liaise with the HR Operations team to ensure timely and accurate data flows to payroll.Events & EngagementSupport the organisation and delivery of company events, including staff engagement initiatives, learning and development sessions, and early-career programme activities.Assist with logistics, communications, attendance tracking and event support.Learning, Development & Early-Career TalentSupport the coordination of training sessions, workshops and professional development activities.Provide administrative and coordination support for the Group’s intern, graduate and early-talent programmes.Own and manage the delivery of Transition Year work experience weeks for The Irish Times.Skills & ExperienceEssentialA HR, Business, or related degree (or final-year qualification).Strong administrative and organisational skills with excellent attention to detail.Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively in a busy environment.Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to draft clear internal communications.High level of discretion, professionalism and confidentiality.Comfortable working with digital tools and systems, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).A proactive attitude, willingness to learn, and genuine interest in developing a career in HR.DesirableSome exposure to HR or office administrationFamiliarity with HR systems (Personio experience an advantage but not required).Interest in recruitment, learning & development, or early-career talent programmes.Understanding of basic HR processes such as onboarding, employee data management or payroll (training will be provided).What We OfferAn opportunity to work with one of Ireland’s most respected media organisations.Exposure to the full range of HR operations, offering excellent development potential.The opportunity to grow your career through working with a team of HR professionals who will support and mentor you.Hybrid working arrangements (3 days on site, 2 days remote).Support for formal professional developmentBenefits: Health Insurance, Pension Contribution, Sick Leave Cover, Laptop, Mobile Phone, Irish Times Premium Digital Subscription, Income Protection Policy, Corporate Gym Membership, Free Digital GP and Life Assurance Policy.