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- Tasks: Lead employee relations strategy and compliance across a dynamic global organisation.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking advertising and PR firm redefining marketing through innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a people-centric culture.
- Why this job: Shape the future of employee relations in a fast-paced, impactful environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive ER experience, strong communication skills, and a solutions-oriented mindset required.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence at senior levels and lead a small ER team.
Are you a strategic HR professional with deep expertise in employee relations, compliance, and employment law? Are you looking to join a forward-thinking, people-centric business that's redefining the future of marketing and media through innovation and technology? We are partnering with a dynamic global organisation to hire an Employee Relations & HR Compliance Director. This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead the ER and compliance agenda across a complex, fast-paced business with over 4,000 employees in the UK and wider EMEA region.
Role responsibilities/duties:
- This is a senior leadership role, responsible for setting and delivering the ER strategy, leading complex employee relations matters, reviewing and implementing HR policy, and driving best practice across the UK and EMEA.
- You will partner closely with senior HR Business Partners, legal teams, and business leaders, acting as a trusted advisor and expert on all aspects of ER and HR compliance.
- You’ll spend around 70% of your time supporting the UK population and 30% leading ER best practice across the EMEA region, including managing the triage of Speak Up cases, supporting M&A activity, and ensuring a consistent and compliant approach to contingent workforce management.
- Provide expert guidance on complex and sensitive ER cases, partnering with senior HR and legal stakeholders.
- Lead and manage internal investigations, grievance and disciplinary processes, and case resolution strategies.
- Oversee the review and development of HR policies to ensure compliance with UK employment law.
- Analyse ER data and trends to identify risks, inform proactive interventions, and enhance organisational culture.
- Deliver training and development to HR teams and leaders on ER best practices.
- Lead a small ER team and act as the ER lead for the region, championing consistent standards and process improvement.
- Collaborate with EMEA stakeholders to manage Speak Up cases, drive policy alignment, and support organisational change initiatives.
- Serve as the point of contact for legal and regulatory compliance in employment matters.
Key experience:
- You will be a seasoned ER and employment law expert, with a pragmatic, solutions-oriented mindset and the ability to influence at the most senior levels.
- Extensive ER and employment law experience within a complex matrixed organisation.
- Proven ability to manage complex and sensitive investigations and employee relations cases.
- Strong knowledge of UK employment legislation (additional Irish law knowledge is a plus).
- Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and policy drafting skills.
- A confident and credible advisor with sound judgement and the ability to make decisions in ambiguous situations.
- Experience leading a small team and driving ER initiatives across multiple geographies.
- Ideally, a legal qualification (LPC or equivalent), though this is not essential if ER experience is strong.
Head of ER and Compliance employer: Oakleaf Partnership
Contact Detail:
Oakleaf Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of ER and Compliance
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the HR and employee relations field, especially those who have experience in large organisations. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in ER and compliance.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and opportunities within the advertising and PR sector. Understanding the unique dynamics of this industry will help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your strategic insight during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss real-life scenarios where you've successfully managed complex employee relations cases. Highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to influence senior stakeholders, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on UK employment law and any recent changes that may impact employee relations. Being knowledgeable about current legislation will position you as a credible candidate and show your commitment to compliance.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of ER and Compliance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in employee relations and compliance. Use specific examples that demonstrate your strategic HR skills and knowledge of UK employment law.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Address how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly your experience in managing complex ER cases.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: In your application, emphasise any significant achievements related to employee relations and compliance. Quantify your successes where possible, such as improvements in employee satisfaction or successful policy implementations.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Since this is a senior leadership role, be sure to illustrate your leadership experience. Discuss how you've led teams, managed investigations, and influenced stakeholders at senior levels in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oakleaf Partnership
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
As a Head of ER and Compliance, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to think strategically. Prepare examples of how you've developed and implemented successful ER strategies in the past, particularly in complex environments.
✨Highlight Your Legal Knowledge
Given the importance of compliance and employment law in this role, be ready to discuss your understanding of UK employment legislation. If you have experience with Irish law, mention that too, as it could set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Complex Scenarios
Expect to be asked about handling sensitive employee relations cases. Think through some challenging situations you've managed, focusing on your approach to investigations and resolution strategies, and be prepared to discuss the outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a small team and influencing senior stakeholders. Be prepared to share your experiences in leading teams, driving initiatives, and how you've successfully engaged with senior leaders in previous roles.
