Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR initiatives to enhance employee relations and experience across a dynamic organisation.
- Company: Values-led organisation focused on people, wellbeing, and development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £70,000, annual bonus, and hybrid working.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on workplace culture and employee engagement.
- Qualifications: Proven HR leadership experience and strong knowledge of UK employment law.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for growth and influence.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 70000 £ per year.
Location: Leeds (Hybrid – 2 days per week in office)
Contract Type: Full Time
Hours: 37.5 per week
Salary: Up to £70,000 + annual bonus
Hybrid Working: Office-based 2 days per week
Travel: Regular travel across locations nationwide
Reporting to the Chief People Officer, and working closely with the Head of Talent Acquisition & Development, you will play a critical role in delivering a consistent, positive, and purpose-driven employee journey across the organisation.
This is a senior leadership role within a complex, multi-site environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop a proactive, high-quality HR Business Partnering and ER function
- Provide pragmatic, solution-focused HR support aligned to operational and strategic needs
- Oversee all employee relations activity, including complex and sensitive cases
- Ensure consistency, fairness, and legal compliance across all ER decisions
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and operational managers
- Drive initiatives that enhance employee engagement, wellbeing, inclusion, and recognition
- Ensure a positive and consistent experience at every stage of the employee lifecycle
- Ensure HR operations meet employment law, Ofsted, and safeguarding requirements
- Maintain robust oversight of DBS, data integrity, and people compliance frameworks
- Champion organisational values and promote a positive, inclusive culture
- Role model ethical, compassionate, and values-led leadership
- Foster strong collaboration across HR, leadership, and operational teams
About You
You are a credible, experienced HR leader who thrives in a fast-paced, purpose-driven environment. You are equally comfortable shaping strategy and delivering hands-on support, with a genuine passion for creating workplaces where people feel supported, valued, and empowered.
Essential Experience & Skills
- Proven experience leading an HR Business Partnering or Employee Relations function
- Background within a multi-site or complex organisation
- Strong expertise in UK employment law and HR best practice
- Demonstrable experience managing complex employee relations cases
- Track record of driving employee engagement, wellbeing, or culture change
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills
- CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent)
Desirable
- Experience within children’s services, education, or safeguarding-led environments
- Familiarity with trauma-informed or values-driven organisational cultures
Why Join Our Client?
- Senior leadership role with real influence over culture and employee experience
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact
- Values-led organisation committed to people, wellbeing, and development
- Competitive salary up to £70,000, plus annual bonus
- Hybrid working with flexibility and autonomy
- Supportive, collaborative People Team with strong executive sponsorship
Start 2026 with an exciting new opportunity, working for an incredible organisation who really value their people!
Apply today!
Head of Employee Relations in Leeds employer: Diamond Search Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Diamond Search Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Employee Relations in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the HR field, especially those who work in employee relations. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Since this role is all about people, showing that you understand and align with their mission will set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've handled complex employee relations cases or driven engagement initiatives. Real-life stories resonate well with interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Employee Relations in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the Head of Employee Relations role. Highlight your HR leadership experience and how it aligns with our values at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Passion: We want to see your genuine enthusiasm for creating positive employee experiences. Share examples of how you've driven engagement and wellbeing in previous roles, as this will resonate with us and our mission.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Diamond Search Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on UK employment law and HR best practices. Given the role's focus on employee relations, being able to discuss relevant legislation and how it applies to real-world scenarios will show your expertise and confidence.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your approach to leading a high-performing HR function. Think about examples where you've championed organisational values or fostered a positive culture. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can shape the employee experience.
✨Be Ready for Complex Scenarios
Expect questions about handling sensitive employee relations cases. Have a few examples ready that highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to maintain fairness and compliance in challenging situations.
✨Engagement is Key
Since the role involves driving employee engagement initiatives, be prepared to share your ideas on enhancing wellbeing and inclusion. Discuss any past experiences where you've successfully implemented such initiatives and the impact they had.
