At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Employee Relations strategy and manage a team in a dynamic financial services environment.
- Company: Join a large, evolving organisation making significant changes in the financial sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous benefits, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with senior stakeholders and enhance your leadership skills.
- Why this job: Be a strategic leader influencing outcomes and driving improvements in Employee Relations.
- Qualifications: Extensive ER experience in complex organisations, especially within financial services.
The predicted salary is between 44796 - 54750 £ per year.
Reference: 4832787Job ID: 5420766Posted: 2026-10-19Closing date: 2027-01-16Location: London
Salary: Competitive Salary (per annum)Job type: Banking & Financial Services / Employee Relations
Company: Hays
Consultant: Emily Ashford Hays office: London-City — 5th Floor, 107 Cheapside, Phone: 03330107538Email: emily. ashford@hays. com Head of Employee Relations, Financial Services London | Hybrid | Competitive Salary & Package Your new company An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a large, complex organisation undergoing significant change as its Head of Employee Relations.
Your new role As 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.
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 succeed To 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.
A competitive base salary and generous benefits package.
Hybrid working, 3 days in office Interested?
Head of Employee Relations (Permanent) 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Employee Relations (Permanent) in London
✨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 Hays!
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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 Hays.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Employee Relations (Permanent) in London
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 Hays. 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 Hays 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 Hays. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Hays'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 Hays
✨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 Hays.
✨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 Hays 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 Hays and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
