Head of Employee Relations & Industrial Relations

The Opportunity;

It’s an exciting time to join the award-winning People and Culture team as Nexus continue their transformation journey. As Head of Employee and Industrial Relations reporting to the People and Culture Director, you will lead the strategic change and development of Nexus’ Human Resources function, developing progressive employee-centred initiatives, alongside leading Nexus’ relationship with its recognised trades unions to positively shape the organisational culture. You will be part of a high performing team, delivering ambitious plans that really make a difference to their people, their customers and the region.

What does the role entail;

• Contributing towards the delivery of the People and Culture Strategy to ensure Nexus’ people and culture objectives are met.
• Leading and delivering a number of exciting HR projects.
• Be a key advisor to the Senior Leadership Team on employee and industrial relations matters, delivering reports on industry trends, the Nexus ER/IR landscape and opportunities to develop.
• Providing employee and industrial relations advice to the HR team and other internal stakeholders.
• Working with Nexus\’ four recognised trade unions to develop and maintain good working relationships to ensure consultation and communication practices are routinely adopted, so leaders across the business can make effective decisions to deliver against key objectives.
• Facilitating the quarterly Joint Negotiating Committee made up of full-time union officials and management, also to chair the meeting when required. Lead on pay negotiations and other collective bargaining arrangements.
• Reviewing HR policies and procedures so they are aligned to business needs, current legislation and best practice.
• Lead organisational change initiatives, designing solutions that support the vision and mission of Nexus.

What we require from you;

• Worked at a senior leader level with the ability to think strategically and make autonomous and dynamic decisions in relation to people and business matters.
• Have extensive knowledge and experience of employment legislation, along with the skills to communicate and negotiate change management.
• Have proven experience of managing and delivering complex projects with limited supervision.
• Experienced influencing skills that have been utilised to lead industrial relations in a unionised environment.
• Managed a diverse team within a fast-paced office working environment.
• The ability to demonstrate values and behaviours that prioritise dignity and respect, alongside promoting equality, diversity and inclusion within our workforce.

About Nexus and the Benefits;

The Team;

You will join a diverse team who are passionate about supporting our colleagues. There are 12 colleagues in the HR team, many of whom have progressed careers within Nexus whilst also recruiting new talent along the way. You will also work alongside your People and Culture colleagues in Learning, Corporate Planning, Continuous Improvement and Organisational Development, who together, work for the benefit of their colleagues, customers and key stakeholders. Between them we have a fantastic set of knowledge and skills to support each other to get the job done!

Job Details and Benefits:

• You’ll work 28.8hrs hours per week (4 days which are flexible).
• You\’ll have the option to work a minimum of 60% of your working week in the office and the rest at home.
• You’ll be part of a generous pension scheme.
• 28 days (pro rata) annual leave per year, bank holidays and time off for volunteering.
• Enjoy travelling for free in Tyne and Wear with our enhanced travel benefits.
• You will have the opportunity to contribute to a health cash plan that will contribute (and dependants if you have them) towards dental costs, optical, and lots more.
• Access to our reward app with over 1000 plus high street discounts on groceries, holidays and days out.
• We like to grow our own colleagues (not literally of course!), so when you’re ready for the next step in your career, we can help develop you.
• And lots of other great benefits too.