At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and evolve colleague engagement strategies to enhance culture and performance.
- Company: Dynamic organisation focused on inclusive and high-performing workplace culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and flexible hybrid working.
- Other info: Opportunity for strategic influence with strong career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on organisational culture and colleague experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in engagement strategies and managing trade union relationships.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Midlands / London / South (Hybrid working)
Travel: Occasional – typically 1–2 days per month in Canary Wharf
Salary: Competitive + excellent benefits
My client is seeking an experienced and commercially astute Engagement Specialist to lead and evolve their colleague engagement agenda at a pivotal point in their organisational journey. This is a senior, strategically important role for someone who understands that engagement is not a standalone initiative—but a critical driver of performance, culture, retention and organisational success.
The Opportunity
Reporting into the senior People leadership team, you will shape and deliver a forward-thinking colleague engagement strategy that reflects the organisation’s ambitions and supports a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture. You’ll take ownership of how the organisation listens to, understands and responds to its people—translating insight into meaningful action that strengthens engagement and improves colleague experience at scale. At the same time, you will lead the strategic management of the National Partnership Forum, building effective, trust-based relationships with recognised trade unions and ensuring a constructive approach to industrial relations.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and execution of the organisation-wide colleague engagement strategy, aligning closely with broader business and People objectives
- Design and deliver impactful engagement initiatives across culture, inclusion, wellbeing, recognition and retention
- Own the colleague listening strategy, ensuring insight is effectively gathered, interpreted and translated into tangible improvements
- Provide expert counsel to senior leaders on engagement, consultation, trade union relationships and industrial relations risk
- Build and sustain strong, constructive partnerships with trade unions, supporting early resolution and positive outcomes
- Oversee the governance and operation of engagement frameworks, including the National Partnership Forum
- Analyse workforce data and feedback to identify trends, risks and opportunities to strengthen the colleague relations climate
- Collaborate closely with People, Legal, Communications and operational leaders to ensure a consistent, aligned approach
- Develop robust KPIs and reporting frameworks to measure engagement, culture and organisational impact
- Stay abreast of employment and trade union legislation, translating this into clear, practical guidance
About You
You will bring a depth of experience leading engagement, culture or colleague experience initiatives within a large, complex and unionised environment. Alongside this, you will demonstrate:
- A track record of shaping and delivering organisation-wide engagement strategies
- Strong credibility operating at senior level, with the ability to influence and challenge constructively
- Experience managing trade union relationships and collective consultation with confidence and professionalism
- A highly analytical approach—comfortable using data and insight to inform decisions and drive impact
- The ability to navigate complexity, balance competing priorities and maintain focus on long-term outcomes
- A collaborative, relationship-driven style, with the resilience to operate in a changing environment
- A relevant degree or equivalent experience is expected. CIPD Chartered status (Level 7) is desirable.
Why this role?
This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a strategic engagement agenda where your work will directly influence organisational culture, performance and colleague experience. With a flexible location across the Midlands, London and the South—and only light, purposeful travel into Canary Wharf—you’ll have the autonomy to operate at a strategic level while remaining well connected to key stakeholders.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engagement Manager in Slough
✨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 HR Heads!
✨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 HR Heads.
We think you need these skills to ace Engagement Manager in Slough
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 HR Heads. 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 HR Heads 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 HR Heads. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to HR Heads'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 HR Heads
✨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 HR Heads.
✨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 HR Heads 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 HR Heads and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
