Reference: 4832787Job ID: 5420766Posted: 2026-10-19Closing date: 2027-01-16Location: LondonSalary: Competitive Salary (per annum)Job type: PermanentWorking pattern: Full timeIndustry: Banking & Financial Services / Employee RelationsCompany: HaysConsultant: Emily AshfordHays office: London-City — 5th Floor, 107 Cheapside,Phone: 03330107538Email: emily.ashford@hays.comHead of Employee Relations, Financial ServicesLondon | Hybrid | Competitive Salary & PackageYour new companyAn exciting opportunity has arisen to join a large, complex organisation undergoing significant change as its Head of Employee Relations.
Your new roleAs Head of Employee Relations, you will take ownership of the organisation's ER agenda, leading a team of Employee Relations professionals and ensuring the function continues to deliver a high-quality service to the wider workforce. This is much broader than a traditional ER case management position. You will operate as a strategic ER leader, partnering with senior stakeholders including the Executive Committee, C-Suite, People Leadership Team, People Directors and senior business leaders. You will provide credible challenge, influence key decisions and navigate complex organisational dynamics.
Acting as the organisation's senior Employee Relations subject-matter expert, you will oversee complex and high-profile ER matters while setting clear direction for the function, developing team capability and ensuring effective delegation.
You will also have the opportunity to step back from day-to-day operational delivery, identify strategic priorities, influence outcomes and drive continuous improvement across Employee Relations. What you'll need to succeedTo succeed as Head of Employee Relations, you will bring: Significant experience leading an Employee Relations function within a large, complex organisation. Must have experience working within Financial services / FCA regulated environments. A strong technical ER background with experience managing complex, high-risk and sensitive employee relations matters.
Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills, including experience operating with Executive and C-Suite audiences.
Strong people leadership capability, particularly around team development, communication and delegation.
Confidence operating within politically complex environments and balancing competing stakeholder priorities. A strategic mindset combined with the ability to execute effectively and maintain operational excellence.
What you'll get in returnThis is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a critical people function and operate at a highly influential level within a large organisation going through considerable change.
The role offers: A competitive base salary and generous benefits package.
Hybrid working, 3 days in officeInterested?
If you are an experienced ER Leader looking for a new opportunity, apply now for a confidential conversation. #4832787 - Emily Ashford
Head of Employee Relations in London employer: Hays
Join a well-established ecological consultancy in Kent that prioritises work-life balance and professional development. With a collaborative team culture and a commitment to delivering high-quality ecological advice, this company offers meaningful career progression opportunities for ecologists. Enjoy flexible working arrangements and the chance to work on diverse projects across the South East and beyond.
