At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex employee relations cases and advise academic leaders on sensitive issues.
- Company: Join a major Higher Education institution focused on people strategy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to shape workforce initiatives.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a well-resourced, high-visibility role.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in a dynamic academic environment with strong executive support.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in Employee Relations within Higher Education and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 70000 £ per year.
Location: London & South East (Hybrid – 2–3 days on site)
Contract: Fixed‑term – 18 months
Salary: £70,000
Sector: Higher Education
Your new company
You’ll be joining a large, complex Higher Education institution at a pivotal point in its people strategy. The organisation is undertaking a significant programme to strengthen performance management capability, improve accountability, and ensure long-term workforce sustainability within an academic environment. This is a well‑resourced, senior level initiative with clear executive sponsorship and a strong emphasis on doing things properly, sensitively and fairly.
Your new role
As Senior Employee Relations & Workforce Change Lead, you will play a critical role in leading the people-related elements of this programme. The focus of the role is firmly on complex ER within a Higher Education setting, particularly supporting academic leaders.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading and personally managing complex and sensitive ER cases involving academic staff, including performance and capability matters.
- Advising Heads of Department and senior academic leaders on difficult conversations.
- Providing expert guidance on academic statutes, consultation requirements, employment law and risk mitigation.
- Ensuring consistency, fairness and legal robustness across all ER activity.
- Working closely with executive stakeholders on workforce planning, people‑related business cases and sustainability options.
- Building performance management confidence and capability across academic leadership groups.
- Contributing to the design of longer‑term workforce initiatives such as flexible retirement options, career breaks and other sustainable staffing models as the programme progresses.
What you’ll need to succeed
- Significant Employee Relations experience within Higher Education.
- Proven track record of handling complex academic performance and capability cases.
- Strong understanding of academic structures and unionised environments.
- Credibility and confidence to operate at senior leadership and executive level.
- A pragmatic, resilient approach with strong judgement and influencing skills.
What you’ll get in return
- A high‑impact, highly visible role within a major Higher Education organisation.
- Strong executive sponsorship and clear mandate.
- Opportunity to shape both immediate outcomes and long‑term people capability.
- Hybrid working and a defined 18-month programme with clear objectives.
- The chance to make a meaningful and lasting difference in a complex academic environment.
If you are an experienced Higher Education ER specialist looking for a senior, impactful fixed‑term opportunity, I would like to hear from you. Apply now or contact me to discuss the role confidentially.
Senior Employee Relations and Change Manager employer: Hays
Join a prestigious Higher Education institution in London & South East, where you will be part of a transformative people strategy aimed at enhancing performance management and workforce sustainability. With strong executive support and a commitment to fairness and sensitivity, this role offers a unique opportunity for professional growth and the chance to make a significant impact within an academic environment. Enjoy a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance while contributing to meaningful change in the sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Employee Relations and Change Manager
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies
Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.
✨Network at HR Events and Workshops
Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at Hays and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Employee Relations and Change Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!
Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!
Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at Hays. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at Hays, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools
Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that Hays uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.
✨Your Motivation Matters
As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at Hays.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at Hays.
