At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead national bargaining and negotiate agreements for Scotland's colleges.
- Company: Colleges Scotland, the voice of the college sector in Scotland.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and a chance to influence education policy.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to sustainable economic growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on inclusive education and support career progression.
- Qualifications: Experienced HR professional with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The college sector plays a vital role in providing people of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances with opportunities to gain qualifications and develop skills that can transform lives and support career progression. It also makes a significant contribution to the Scottish Government\'s ambitions for a more inclusive society and a sustainable, growing economy.
Colleges Scotland is the collective voice of the college sector. As the membership body, it represents all 24 colleges in Scotland and one strategic regional body, delivering further education provision and around a quarter of all higher education in Scotland. Colleges Scotland also acts as the employers\' association - College Employers Scotland (CES).
College Employers Scotland is the national representative body for Scotland\'s colleges as employers, with a primary focus on delivering national bargaining for pay, terms, and conditions. Recent achievements include a four-year pay deal for lecturing staff, a three-year pay agreement for support staff, the implementation of the first two national policies on menopause and discipline, a refreshed proposal to advance job evaluation for support staff, and the professional registration of lecturers.
As Head of National Bargaining, you will ensure CES continues to maintain effective and productive relationships with trade union officials, enabling agreements to be reached at both strategic and operational levels in support of the national bargaining programme. Through established negotiation mechanisms, you will lead the development, agreement, and implementation of job evaluation for support staff in Scotland\'s colleges. You will also build and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholders, influencing priority issues and fostering sustainable partnerships.
The successful candidate will be an experienced HR professional and a solution-focused negotiator, with a strong track record in trade union negotiations and dispute resolution. You will bring expertise in consultation processes, experience of managing and mitigating employment relations issues and risks, and the ability to communicate with credibility and impact.
This is a unique national role that offers the opportunity to lead on all aspects of national bargaining and engagement with support staff and lecturing staff trade unions, while directly supporting a sector central to inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Scotland.
For more information, please visit our website, where you will find the contact information for Douglas Adam at Livingston James, our retained recruitment advisors.
NB: Colleges Scotland operates a Hybrid Working Policy. While this post is formally based in Stirling, it is expected that the successful candidate will not be required to work from the office on a full-time basis each week.
Colleges Scotland is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.
Head of National Bargaining. Job in Stirling Education & Training Jobs employer: Colleges Scotland
Colleges Scotland is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead national bargaining efforts that directly impact the education sector in Scotland. With a commitment to inclusivity and professional development, employees benefit from a supportive work culture, flexible hybrid working arrangements, and the chance to influence significant policy changes. Join us in making a meaningful contribution to the future of education and economic growth in Scotland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of National Bargaining. Job in Stirling Education & Training Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the education and training sector, especially those connected to Colleges Scotland. A friendly chat can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the college sector's current challenges and successes. Being informed shows your passion and commitment to making a difference in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As Head of National Bargaining, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to reach agreements. Role-play scenarios with friends or colleagues to build confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you're serious about joining the Colleges Scotland team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of National Bargaining. Job in Stirling Education & Training Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in HR and trade union negotiations. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Head of National Bargaining, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves building relationships and influencing stakeholders, it’s crucial to demonstrate your communication prowess. Use clear, concise language in your application and provide examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles.
Highlight Your Problem-Solving Abilities:As a solution-focused negotiator, we’re keen to see how you tackle challenges. Include specific instances where you’ve successfully managed employment relations issues or led negotiations to a positive outcome. This will show us you’re the right fit for the job!
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 into the right hands, and you’ll find all the details you need there. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Colleges Scotland
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the college sector and its current challenges. Brush up on recent achievements in national bargaining, like the pay deals and policies mentioned in the job description. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated trade union negotiations or resolved disputes. Highlight your solution-focused approach and how it led to positive outcomes. This is crucial for a role that revolves around effective negotiation.
✨Build Relationships
Emphasise your ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with stakeholders. Think of examples where you’ve influenced priority issues or fostered partnerships. This will demonstrate your capability to thrive in a collaborative environment.
✨Communicate with Impact
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You’ll need to communicate with credibility, so consider how you can convey complex ideas simply. Mock interviews with friends or colleagues can help you refine this skill before the big day.
