At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the ER team, providing expert advice and managing employee relations casework.
- Company: Join Kingston Council, a diverse and inclusive organisation dedicated to community service.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and discounts at local shops and gyms.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team that values your ideas and promotes career growth.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in people management and employee relations is essential.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 49000 £ per year.
Employer: Kingston Council
Location(s): Kingston
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Length of Employment / Contract End Date: 18 months
Working Hours: Full Time
Grade: J
Hours Per Week: 36
Salary Range: £51,522 - £56,646
Salary Basis: Per annum
Leave Entitlement: 30 days
Application Deadline: 19/01/2025, 23:55
Anticipated Interview Date(s): Thursday 30th January 2025
About the Role
You will manage and support the ER team to ensure that clear, balanced and professional advice and guidance is provided, in line with all policies and ER support is provided to services, as defined and required. As part of the RBK Management team, you will set out the standards of service, prioritising work based on risk and resources available and developing the desired culture, enhancing leadership and management capability and engagement with our staff.
Our Ideal Candidate
Our ideal candidate will have significant experience and in-depth understanding of people management and organisational development and the underlying principles and practice of employee relations casework management (to undertake yourself and develop others to undertake). They will also have demonstrable experience of advising and negotiating with all levels of management, unions and staff on HR and/or OD work, including commitment to EDI along with experience of managing change and restructures, reducing unnecessary negative impact on employees and working with others to retain staff and develop skills. With the ability to oversee a trusted service, with a robust and fair customer centred approach, which is in line with policies and our People strategy, along with a developed understanding of culture development, case resolution, key developments which aid ownership of roles and responsibilities this will be role within a great team to be part of.
About Us
To manage the delivery of a customer focused professional Employee Relations (ER) service, working within the People Policy Framework and overseeing and undertaking employee relations casework, in all areas of dispute and focus on attendance management.
About You
Our Offer To You
As an organisation that values and nurtures talent, we’re committed to helping you fulfil your potential and will offer you a supportive, friendly and collaborative environment to grow and develop your career and skills. We’re constantly striving to improve our ways of working so putting your ideas across however big or small; will be fully encouraged and supported by your colleagues and our dynamic and experienced management team. In addition we offer a modern and flexible working environment for our staff supported by our IT infrastructure, Google Chromebooks and Google Apps, which have acted as a key enabler for collaborative and streamlined working. We operate hybrid working, a flexible working model which allows staff to work from a variety of locations and staff are not required to work within the office 5 days a week. It enables staff to achieve a work-life balance whilst still meeting the needs of the organisation.
Employees have access to a wide range of benefits, some of which include:
- Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays (pro-rata if part-time working hours apply)
- Three volunteering days per year in Kingston
- Flexible and agile working arrangements
- Comprehensive learning and development programme
- Discounts on a range of local shops, restaurants, gyms and leisure centres
- Interest free season ticket loans
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Bicycle loan facilities and cycle to work scheme
- Zip car scheme
- Free eye tests and contribution towards glasses
- Confidential wellbeing and counselling support
- Subsidised gym membership
Application Process
Please apply online outlining what skills, abilities and experience you can bring which makes you an ideal candidate for this role. Please ensure you refer to the requirements outlined in the job profile when completing your application. The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
We are committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) so all personal information that can identify job applicants e.g. name, title etc is completely anonymised during the shortlisting process. Our hiring managers review applications based on the knowledge, skills and experience demonstrated in your application, and how well these match the job profile. Hiring managers are encouraged to ensure that their interview panel is diverse, and representative of a range of protected characteristics, to help remove unconscious bias and ensure candidates are treated fairly during the selection process.
Additional Information
We are proud to be a diverse and welcoming Borough. Our aim is to create a workforce which reflects the community we serve, and staff feel a sense of belonging. We celebrate and respect differences and appreciate the value of having a diverse workforce. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, and disabled candidates, as these groups are currently under-represented in our workforce. As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to thinking differently about disability and taking action to improve how we recruit, retain and develop disabled people. We guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria for a role. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, staff engagement forums and inclusive staff networks who help drive our diversity agenda. We are an accredited London Living Wage Employer and this means that everyone working at the Royal Borough of Kingston, regardless of whether they are permanent employees or third-party contractors and suppliers receive the London Living Wage.
Senior ER Manager employer: Royal Borough of Kingston
Contact Detail:
Royal Borough of Kingston Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior ER Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Kingston Council's values and culture. Understanding their commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) will help you align your approach during interviews and discussions, showcasing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Kingston Council, especially those in HR or Employee Relations roles. They can provide valuable insights into the work environment and expectations, which can be beneficial for your interview preparation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples of your experience in managing employee relations casework and advising on HR matters. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully navigated complex situations and contributed to a positive workplace culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and best practices in employee relations and organisational development. This knowledge will not only enhance your discussions but also demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and improvement in the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior ER Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Senior ER Manager position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and the skills required, such as experience in employee relations casework management and advising on HR matters.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job requirements. Focus on your achievements in people management, organisational development, and any specific examples of managing change or negotiating with unions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that directly addresses how your background and skills make you an ideal candidate for this role. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your understanding of employee relations and commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your documents for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that your writing is clear and professional, as this reflects your attention to detail and communication skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Borough of Kingston
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before your interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of the Senior ER Manager role. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, especially around employee relations casework management and advising on HR matters.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your significant experience in people management and organisational development. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've successfully managed change and resolved disputes in previous roles.
✨Emphasise EDI Commitment
Given the emphasis on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in the job profile, be prepared to discuss your commitment to these principles. Share any relevant experiences where you've promoted EDI in the workplace.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the culture at Kingston Council, and how they measure success in the ER department. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.