At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Employee Relations team and manage complex union interactions.
- Company: Join a dynamic public sector organisation based in East Croydon.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary of up to £80,000 p.a. with additional perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in employee relations and organisational change.
- Qualifications: 8+ years of experience in employee relations, especially in unionised environments.
- Other info: Opportunity to design training and provide expert consultation to senior leaders.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 64000 £ per year.
We’re seeking a seasoned Head of Employee Relations to lead our client's ER team within a dynamic public sector environment from their East Croydon head office. This critical role requires a professional with a proven track record in employee relations leadership, particularly in a unionised setting. The ideal candidate will bring 8+ years expertise in managing complex union interactions, resolving employee disputes, and overseeing ER strategy during times of organisational change.
As a trusted advisor, you will partner with senior leaders, manage union relations, and manage a team of HRBPs focused on ER. Key areas of responsibility include:
- Leading and developing the HR/ER team, ensuring high-quality stakeholder engagement
- Overseeing complex employee relations cases, including unionised grievances and disciplinaries
- Ensuring legal and policy compliance across all employee relations activity
- Conducting and advising on investigations, performance management, and tribunal cases
- Managing organisational change processes such as redundancies and TUPE transfers
- Acting as a key liaison with unions and attending JCC meetings
- Providing expert consultation to directors and senior leadership on ER strategy
- Designing and delivering training for HR teams, line managers, and leaders
- Monitoring ER data, trends, and outcomes, and delivering actionable insights to leadership
This position offers a competitive salary of up to £80,000 p.a. and other benefits. This is an excellent opportunity for a results-driven ER leader to make an immediate impact.
Head of Employee Relations employer: JMR Global | Executive Search
Contact Detail:
JMR Global | Executive Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Employee Relations
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and dynamics of employee relations in a public sector environment. Understanding the nuances of unionised settings will help you demonstrate your expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in employee relations, especially those in the public sector. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed complex union interactions or resolved disputes. This will showcase your hands-on expertise and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and legal changes in employee relations and union activities. Being knowledgeable about recent developments will position you as a proactive candidate who is ready to tackle the challenges of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Employee Relations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in employee relations, particularly in unionised environments. Include specific examples of how you've managed complex union interactions and resolved disputes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your understanding of the role and the public sector environment. Discuss your leadership style and how you plan to develop the HR/ER team while ensuring high-quality stakeholder engagement.
Showcase Relevant Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, emphasise your achievements in managing organisational change processes, such as redundancies and TUPE transfers. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Anticipate questions related to your experience with union relations and handling grievances. Be ready to discuss specific cases and the strategies you employed to achieve positive outcomes.
How to prepare for a job interview at JMR Global | Executive Search
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your extensive experience in employee relations, particularly in unionised environments. Highlight specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex union interactions and resolved disputes.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head of Employee Relations, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Share your leadership style and provide examples of how you've developed HR teams and engaged stakeholders in previous roles.
✨Understand Legal Compliance
Familiarise yourself with the legal frameworks surrounding employee relations. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past roles, especially during organisational changes like redundancies or TUPE transfers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-life ER situations. Think about how you would handle grievances, disciplinaries, or union negotiations, and be ready to articulate your thought process.