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- Tasks: Lead HR policy and employee relations, managing a team and driving innovative projects.
- Company: Join the Department for Transport, a key player in UK government.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension contribution.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people policies and enhance employee experiences.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in HR management required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with AI tools and develop modern HR strategies.
Do you want to take the lead and strategically partner with an organisation that is passionate about the delivery of a high quality, strategic people agenda overseeing the vital areas of HR Policy and Employee Relations? Are you looking for a role where you can make a real difference to the performance and people agenda of a high-profile government department? Do you pride yourself on your excellent communication skills and the ability to work in with senior leaders & stakeholders?
We are recruiting for a fixed-term maternity cover for the role of Group Head of HR Policy and Employee Relations. This is a unique opportunity as it has two parts: Firstly, operating as part of a job-share with another Grade 6 covering the core business as usual elements of the role, including management of the wider team. Secondly, we are looking for the post-holder to take responsibility for leading a temporary project, and discrete small team, to refresh and simplify our People Policies. The goal is to partner them with an AI tool to improve how our policies are presented and help our colleagues navigate them more effectively.
The Group HR team leads on HR policy and employee relations within the central department, as well as supporting five executive agencies: Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA), and Active Travel England (ATE).
You and your job-share partner will:
- Lead a team of HR professionals to build flexible and integrated HR policy and employee relations strategies/plans to support departmental strategy.
- Manage the relationship with the Departmental Trade Union side and build strong and trusted relationships with key stakeholders across the DfT Group.
- Manage the work of the team using project techniques to enable effective tracking, monitoring, and reporting of workstreams and support prioritisation.
- Ensure the team act as a centre of expertise, providing professional advice and guidance to HR colleagues, shared services and key stakeholders that enable and support the successful implementation of our people policies.
- Act as the lead contact/s for the relationship with Civil Service HR Expert Services, feeding into central people policy development so that the specific requirements of DfT people are captured and that we can influence Civil Service wide approaches.
- Manage a temporary project team that will focus on reviewing, evaluating and delivering a complete refresh of our existing HR Policies.
- Work with our HR Data, Technology & AI Lab to implement an AI solution that will support staff self-service and navigability of our policies.
Great line management is important to us as an organisation, and we will equip and support line managers to develop the skills they need. We aim to empower line managers to create teams where people can flourish and deliver excellent outcomes for the public.
Group Head of HR Policy and Employee Relations in Birmingham employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
Contact Detail:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Head of HR Policy and Employee Relations in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in the government sector, especially those in HR roles. They can provide insider info and might even refer you directly, which can give your application a serious boost.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Department for Transport's recent projects and initiatives. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their mission of improving transport across the UK.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves working with senior leaders and stakeholders, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently is key. Consider mock interviews with friends or mentors to sharpen your delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen on joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Head of HR Policy and Employee Relations in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in HR policy and employee relations. We want to see how your skills align with the specific needs of the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves working closely with senior leaders and stakeholders, it’s crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication abilities. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect how you can effectively convey ideas and collaborate with others.
Highlight Your Project Management Experience: Given that you'll be leading a temporary project team, make sure to emphasise any previous project management experience. We’re keen to see how you’ve successfully managed teams and projects in the past, especially in HR contexts.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
✨Know Your Policies Inside Out
As a candidate for the Group Head of HR Policy and Employee Relations, it's crucial to have a solid understanding of current HR policies and employee relations practices. Brush up on the latest trends and challenges in the field, especially those relevant to government departments. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're ready to lead.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Excellent communication is key in this role, so be prepared to showcase your skills during the interview. Think of examples where you've effectively communicated with senior leaders or stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, as this will reflect your ability to manage relationships within the department.
✨Prepare for Project Management Questions
Since you'll be leading a temporary project to refresh HR policies, expect questions about your project management experience. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've led, the methodologies you used, and how you tracked progress. Highlight your ability to manage teams and deliver results under tight deadlines.
✨Understand the Role of AI in HR
With a focus on partnering HR policies with AI tools, it's essential to understand how technology can enhance HR functions. Familiarise yourself with AI applications in HR and be prepared to discuss how you would implement such solutions. This knowledge will set you apart as a forward-thinking candidate who can drive innovation in the department.
