People and Culture Business Partner - Payroll & Total Reward

Job Title: People and Culture Business Partner - Payroll & Total Reward Location : Hybrid/ FAI HQ Abbottstown Department: People and Culture Reporting To: Head of People and Culture Contract Type: 12 Month Fixed Term Contract Commencement Date: ASAP Introduction: The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is the national governing body for football in Ireland, driving the growth, promotion, and development of the game at all levels. We are passionate about inspiring participation, supporting talent, and celebrating the power of football to unite communities across the country. With a proud history and an ambitious vision for the future, the FAI is committed to fostering excellence on and off the pitch, ensuring the game is inclusive, accessible, and a source of national pride. Purpose of the role: The People & Culture Business Partner will provide operational leadership and hands-on support across the People function, ensuring effective delivery of day-to-day People and Culture initiatives while driving key organisational priorities within a football association environment. This role will play a critical part in strengthening people practices, improving employee experience, and delivering priority projects focused on payroll optimisation, performance and reward frameworks, and pay transparency readiness. Working closely with senior leadership, managers, employees, and external partners, the role will ensure that People operations are efficient, compliant, and aligned with the organisation’s strategic objectives and values. Key Responsibilities: Business Partnering Identify opportunities to improve employee experience and simplify People processes. Partner with the wider People team to continuously improve on delivering and effective and efficient People startegy. Provide guidance and support to managers and employees on P&C policies, and employee relations matters. Coach and challenge leaders to embed effective people management practices. Support organisational change and transformation initiatives. Provide trusted advice and guidance across recruitment, onboarding, probation, performance management, career development, and employee relations. Build strong relationships across the organisaiton Use workforce data and apply analytical skills to bring workforce insights and recommendations. Analyse and interpret reporting dashboards to help guide decision making and provide proactive P&C solutions. Contribute strongly to building a high performance culture, working closely with Line managers to ensure that all employees have clear performance goals and receive the required support to optimise their performance. Manage recruitment, selection and placement activities in line with business needs, partnering with directors and mangers to deliver excellent candidate experience and talent selection outcomes. Support initiatives that strengthen culture, engagement, inclusion and wellbeing. Apply HR and business knowledge evidencing appropriate decision making skills Stay informed about changes in employment legislation and ensure compliance in all HR-related practices. Payroll, Compensation & Benefits and Pay Transparency Process end to end payroll by partnering with Finance and Payroll stakeholders Document review and improve payroll processes Support enhancements to payroll controls, reporting, governance and data accuracy Manage payroll related queries, improving processes with every opportunity. Support preparation for evolving pay transparency expectation and legislation Support development of salary framework and consistent remuneration principles Promote fairness, equity and transparency in remuneration practices Work with key external stakeholders in reviewing, benchmarking, recommending and enhancing the Associations Compensation and Benefits. Any other P&C projects which might be assigned from time to time The Person: The successful candidate will have the following: Experience & Qualifications A third level qualification in Business, HR or a related subject CIPD Certified 3+ years in a HR Operations role in a fast-paced environment (preferably in a sports industry) Strong experience in processing payroll for 100+ employees is essential Experience in delivering People and Culture projects involving reward, payroll, benefits and process improvement Experience of managing employee relations Working knowledge of employment legislation Successful track record of supporting and managing HR operations including end to end recruitment, performance management Experience of managing a HRIS, reporting, integration of other HR systems data analytics Skills and Professional Knowledge Experience of preparing management reports Excellent interpersonal, communication and management skills with the ability to interact and influence effectively at all levels across the business Excellent problem-solving skills. Ability to balance strategic thinking with operational delivery Process driven with great attention to detail Strong organisational skills with the ability to effectively prioritise and deliver high quality results. Our Benefits Two premium level tickets to each home international game Sick pay scheme and family friendly leave Opportunities to work at international matches Company Contribution Pension Scheme Bike to work scheme Free onsite parking Employee assistance programmes Hybrid working arrangements and flexible hours working arrangements Closing date for receipt of applications is 12pm on Friday, 31st July 2026 Shortlisting and interviews will take place shortly afterwards. The Football Association of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.