At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic Employee Relations team and manage complex client matters.
- Company: Join a progressive business that values people and diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and career development support.
- Other info: Hybrid working with opportunities for travel and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in employee relations while growing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in Employee Relations and strong UK employment law knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 67000 - 67000 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 8 July 2026
Department: Employee Relations
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: South East
Reporting To: People Services Director (Specialist Expertise)
Compensation: £67,000 / year
Description Location: Hybrid working, with occasional travel for client and team meetings. Candidates must be based in the South East of England.
Job Type: Full-time (minimum 30 hours per week)
Salary: Starting from £67,000 FTE per annum
We offer a competitive salary package aligned with current market rates for this role. The final offer will reflect your skills, experience and qualifications, alongside our commitment to internal equity.
The Opportunity
We're looking for a Head of Employee Relations (South East) to join our growing Employee Relations leadership team. Working alongside our Head of Employee Relations (South West), you'll lead our Employee Relations service across the South East region, helping to ensure our clients receive exceptional advice, support and outcomes. This is a senior, hands‑on leadership role. You'll lead and develop a talented team of ER specialists, build trusted relationships with clients, and personally support some of the most complex and high‑risk employee relations work we deliver. You'll also play a key role in the ongoing development of Fitzgerald's wider Employee Relations service, helping us strengthen capability, maintain quality and support continued growth.
What you’ll be doing
- Leading a high‑performing ER team
- Leading and developing a team of Senior ER Specialists and ER Specialists.
- Creating clarity, focus and accountability across the team.
- Supporting colleagues to develop their technical expertise and confidence.
- Managing workload, capacity and delivery quality.
- Building a positive, high‑performing culture where people feel supported, challenged and valued.
Leading complex client work
- Acting as a trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders.
- Leading and overseeing complex employee relations matters, including investigations, disciplinary and grievance processes, appeal hearings, restructuring, redundancy and TUPE projects.
- Supporting clients through high‑risk and sensitive people challenges.
- Reviewing and quality‑assuring advice and documentation.
- Drafting and reviewing employment contracts, policies and procedures.
Driving quality and commercial success
- Delivering agreed billable income and performance targets.
- Ensuring work is appropriately scoped, priced and delivered.
- Managing risk and maintaining high professional standards.
- Supporting client retention, account development and new opportunities.
- Working closely with colleagues across People Partnering and Talent & People Solutions to deliver joined‑up client support.
About you
You're an experienced Employee Relations leader who combines technical expertise with sound judgement, commercial awareness and a genuinely people‑centred approach.
- Significant experience leading complex Employee Relations work.
- Strong working knowledge of UK employment law.
- Experience supporting disciplinary, grievance, investigation, restructuring, redundancy and TUPE processes.
- Experience leading and developing people.
- Confidence building relationships with senior stakeholders.
- Strong commercial awareness and experience managing competing priorities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- A clear, credible and engaging communicator.
- Calm under pressure and comfortable with ambiguity.
- Highly organised, detail‑focused and able to juggle multiple priorities.
- Collaborative, values‑led and invested in developing others.
CIPD Level 7 or equivalent employment law qualification (or qualified by experience at that level) is essential. Experience in consultancy or professional services is highly desirable. You must be based in the South East of England. You’ll also need a UK driving licence and be happy to travel as required for the role.
The Perks
- Competitive salary (starting from £67,000 per annum FTE)
- 25 days’ annual leave to start, rising to 27 after one year and 29 after two years, plus bank holidays
- Career qualifications supported and paid for, with real opportunities to grow
- Monthly homeworking allowance and all equipment provided
- Flexible working patterns for a healthy work‑life balance
- Pension scheme options (including salary sacrifice) and 4% employer pension contributions, with a minimum of 4% employee contributions
- Life assurance at four times basic salary
- Shopping discounts platform, flu vaccinations, and technology and cycle‑to‑work schemes
- Medicash health cash plan and wellbeing benefits (including EAP)
- Enhanced family leave
- Unlimited remote GP appointments available 24/7
- A growing, progressive business with people at its heart
We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.
Head of Employee Relations (South East) employer: Fitzgerald HR
Fitzgerald is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and development. With flexible working patterns and a commitment to career growth, employees can thrive in a dynamic environment while enjoying generous benefits such as enhanced family leave and a comprehensive health cash plan. Located in the South East, this role provides the opportunity to lead a talented team and make a meaningful impact on client relationships and employee relations services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Employee Relations (South East)
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Fitzgerald HR!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Fitzgerald HR.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Employee Relations (South East)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Fitzgerald HR. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Fitzgerald HR and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Fitzgerald HR. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Fitzgerald HR's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fitzgerald HR
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Fitzgerald HR.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Fitzgerald HR will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Fitzgerald HR and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
