Head of Contractors & Retail Support, Level 3

About the role

Reporting to the Network Transformation Director, Retail you will be responsible for managing all aspects of the Company’s relationship with Postmasters and the Irish Postmasters’ Union. You will also be responsible for managing cash funding to the Retail network on a best value basis while ensuring, on an ongoing basis that office cash targets are being met and that cash deliveries are made in an efficient and timely manner.  You will also ensure provision of support, as required, to the Retail network through maintaining appropriate policies and the supply of services and equipment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Overall responsibility for all matters concerning Contractors i.e. appointments, terms and conditions, termination and industrial relations.

• Implement the timely recruitment of Post Office contractors so as to ensure continuity in the provision of post office retail services to a satisfactory standard.
• Develop, monitor and amend Contractor selection and appointment policy, procedures and documentation to ensure they are administratively efficient, legally robust and appropriate to the Company’s commercial needs.
• Determine, authorise and implement appropriate action, up to and including termination of contracts where a Contractor is considered to have failed to fulfil his / her contractual terms so as to maintain corporate standards of service and protect the Company reputation and assets.
• Advise, authorise and assist Company legal staff and external Counsel in legal actions relating to Contractors. Also ensure that the management of Company affairs with its Contractors, including decisions to terminate a contract, are at all times legally compliant.
• Advise and support Retail Operations management in relation to all matters concerning Contractors and network policy matters.
• Manage Company relationships with the Irish Postmasters’ Union (IPU), including dealing with all representations and correspondence from the Union and taking decisions as appropriate on any issues in relation to Contractors remuneration, terms and conditions.
• Negotiate all matters relating to Contractors terms and conditions including remuneration with the IPU, including the processing of all claims for improved terms and conditions through the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme available to Contractors. Also prepare statements of case required for Arbitration and act as the principle Company representative in any hearings, etc.
• Draft responses on behalf of the Chief Executive to political and other representations relating to the Retail network so that Company responses are both timely and appropriate. Also deal with responses to queries, complaints and representations in relation to the retail network as appropriate from both internal and external sources e.g. Department of Communications, etc.
• Manage the Retail Funding Section and liaise with Central Bank, Banks and Cash in Transit providers to ensure the Company has adequate levels of cash and Foreign Exchange to meet operational requirements in the Retail network.
• Manage the Cash and Administration Section to ensure that late Cash Accounts, balances brought forward, adjustment notices, reversals, negative sales, unclaimed payments, and uncharged receipts are being monitored on an ongoing basis so as to reduce the risk of attempted frauds, theft, or borrowing of Company cash in the network.
• Be responsible for the Retail Stock Ordering Call Centre to ensure the supply of stocks and forms, uniforms, call forwarding systems etc. to the Retail network.

Knowledge & Experience:

You will ideally be educated to third level preferably in the HR and/or a legal area (e.g. contract law). Experience in negotiations is essential and a HR background would be a distinct advantage. A knowledge and understanding of the Post Office network and a broad understanding of the general retail / business environment, together with a knowledge of the remuneration system for Contractors would also be an advantage.
 
You will have excellent analytical and influencing skills and very good communications and people management skills.  You must be able to analyse complex cases or circumstances and make sound judgements as to the best course of action.

Critical Competencies:

• Decision Making/Judgement
• Influencing & Gaining Commitment
• Technical Professional Knowledge
• Communication Skills
• Perseverance/Resilience

About the Benefits

In addition to a highly competitive remuneration package as an An Post employee you will have access to a wide range of benefits including:

• An Post Company Medical Scheme
• Paid Maternity Leave
• Paid Paternity Leave
• An Post Pension Scheme
• On site gym, fitness classes and shower facilities
• Secure on-site bicycle parking
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Tax Saver Travel Pass
• City centre location in walking distance to all major transport services

To Apply:

About An Post