Need to Hire a HR Administrator? Here's What You Need to Know
If your business is growing and you're struggling to keep up with HR tasks like onboarding, payroll, and employee records, it might be time to hire a HR Administrator. This entry-to-mid level HR role is essential for maintaining compliance, supporting staff, and ensuring your people processes run smoothly.
In this post, we’ll break down what a HR Administrator does, what skills to look for, and how hiring one can support your business in Ireland, whether you’re an SME, multinational or a public sector employer.
What Does a HR Administrator Do?
In the Irish context, with its distinct labour laws and industrial relations framework, having an experienced Employee Relations Manager is essential for any company aiming to minimise conflict and enhance employee engagement.
Key responsibilities include:
✔️Coordinating onboarding and induction processes for new employees
✔️ Managing HR documentation including contracts, absence records and personnel files
✔️Supporting payroll preparation by collecting time and attendance data
✔️ Handling internal HR queries on policies, leave entitlements, and benefits
✔️Updating HRIS (Human Resources Information Systems) and maintaining employee records
✔️ Assisting with recruitment administration including interview scheduling and reference checks
✔️Ensuring legal compliance with employment law and GDPR obligations
In short, a good HR Administrator keeps everything organised, compliant and employee-focused.
Why Is a HR Administrator Critical to Your HR Team?
Many Irish companies still rely on overstretched Office Managers, PA/EA roles or line managers to handle HR admin. This can lead to compliance issues, inefficiencies, and employee dissatisfaction.
Bringing in a dedicated HR Administrator can:
✔️ Reduce legal and compliance risks by keeping HR records accurate and up to date
✔️Improve employee experience through faster, more consistent responses to HR queries
✔️ Free up HR Managers and Business Partners to focus on strategic priorities
✔️Improve recruitment turnaround times by streamlining admin
✔️Ensure GDPR and workplace legislation compliance, particularly under Irish employment law
The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) in Ireland frequently cites poor HR record-keeping as a key issue in inspection findings, so having the right HR administrator in place is essential. (WRC Annual Report 2023)
What Skills Should You Look for in a HR Administrator?
Hiring a HR Administrator means looking beyond just someone who's organised. Here’s what to look for in your shortlist:
✔️Strong working knowledge of HR systems and databases (e.g. CoreHR, BambooHR, Workday)
✔️Familiarity with Irish employment legislation and GDPR practices
✔️ Excellent attention to detail and administrative accuracy
✔️Strong interpersonal and communication skills – both written and verbal
✔️ Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and discretion
✔️Flexibility to adapt to fast-paced environments and changing priorities
✔️Experience supporting payroll or working with finance teams is a bonus
If you're hiring in Ireland, also look for understanding of local employment practices such as statutory leave, public holiday entitlements, and Revenue PAYE requirements.
Average Salary for HR Administrators in Ireland
According to the CPL Salary Guide 2024, the average salary for a HR Administrator in Dublin ranges from €32,000 to €42,000, depending on experience and sector. In regions outside Dublin, salaries tend to range between €30,000 and €38,000.
Employers in regulated sectors like financial services, healthcare and pharma often pay higher due to the need for stricter compliance processes.
When Should You Hire a HR Administrator?
If you’re asking any of the following questions, it’s likely time to bring someone in:
✔️ Are HR documents and employee records scattered or outdated?
✔️ Is payroll frequently delayed due to missing or late data?
✔️ Are managers distracted by routine HR admin instead of focusing on their teams?
✔️ Have you received compliance issues during audits or inspections?
✔️ Are you struggling to deliver a positive candidate or onboarding experience?
Hiring a HR Administrator can significantly reduce operational headaches and improve both compliance and employee satisfaction.
Permanent, Contract or Outsourced?
When it comes to hiring a HR Administrator in Ireland, employers have several options:
✔️Permanent, in-house: Best for growing businesses who want a consistent HR presence
✔️Contract/fixed-term: Ideal for maternity leave cover, short-term scale-ups or projects
✔️Outsourced/agency: A practical option for microbusinesses who need HR support without headcount
At HR Hire, we help companies across Ireland assess their needs and source experienced, reliable HR Administrators at the right level – whether junior, senior or specialist (e.g. HRIS, payroll admin).
A HR Administrator may not be the most senior hire in your organisation, but they’re often the most impactful when it comes to improving everyday HR operations.
Whether you’re hiring for a scaling SME in Cork, a global tech company in Dublin, or a public sector body in Galway, getting the right person in this role will support compliance, reduce risk, and make life easier for everyone in your organisation.
