At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead employee relations, policy, and safeguarding for a prestigious performing arts organisation.
- Company: Join an iconic organisation in the world of Performing Arts.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a fast-paced, unionised environment with a focus on leadership and capability building.
- Why this job: Shape the future of employee relations and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in employee relations and a strong understanding of UK employment law.
I am delighted to be supporting a prestige and iconic organisation in the world of Performing Arts to appoint a Head of Employee Relations, Policy & Safeguarding. Reporting to the Chief People Officer, this is a critical role shaping how the organisation handles its most sensitive and high-risk people matters. You’ll bring structure, pace and credibility to employee relations, ensuring a consistent, fair and legally robust approach, while strengthening early resolution and leadership capability. Alongside leading complex casework and industrial relations, you’ll own employment policy and governance frameworks, ensuring they are practical, compliant and support effective management. You’ll also provide oversight of safeguarding and deliver clear insight on organisational risk and trends.
Key Responsibilities
- This is a senior leadership role that brings together employee relations, industrial relations, policy and safeguarding into one clear, organisation-wide agenda.
- You’ll set direction, oversee the most complex issues, and ensure a consistent, high-quality approach to how people matters are managed.
- You’ll lead the employee relations framework end-to-end – balancing risk and fairness while improving early resolution, strengthening manager capability, and reducing repeat issues.
- You’ll also shape the organisation’s industrial relations approach, building constructive relationships with trade unions and supporting senior leaders through consultation and negotiation.
- Alongside this, you’ll own policy and governance, ensuring frameworks are practical, compliant and support effective decision-making, while providing oversight of safeguarding and visibility of organisational risk.
- In practice, this includes:
- Leading employee relations strategy and oversight of complex cases
- Driving early resolution and improving manager capability
- Managing trade union engagement and collective processes
- Owning employment policy, governance and contracts
- Overseeing safeguarding within the workforce
- Monitoring risk, identifying trends and informing leadership decisions
About You
You are an experienced and credible employee relations leader who has operated at scale, navigating complex unionised and fast-paced environments where judgement, pace and consistency really matter. You bring a deep understanding of UK employment law, but more importantly, you know how to apply it pragmatically – balancing legal risk with commercial realities and organisational priorities. You will have experience shaping policy, designing governance, or improving how cases are managed, you focus on creating frameworks that work in practice and build confidence across the organisation. Just as importantly, you care about building capability. You look beyond individual cases to identify patterns and root causes, and you work closely with leaders and HR colleagues to strengthen early intervention, improve decision-making and reduce unnecessary escalation. This role suits a commercially minded individual with experience of working in unionised or multi-stakeholder environments at a senior level. Above all, you bring sound judgement, credibility and the ability to lead with both authority and empathy.
Salary: £80,000 – £90,000
Contract: 18 month Fixed Term Contract
Location: London
Hybrid working model: 3 days in office
Head of Employee Relations, Policy & Safeguarding employer: Maximum ManagementFrazer Jones USA
As a prestigious organisation in the world of Performing Arts, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that values creativity and collaboration. Our commitment to employee development is reflected in our robust training programmes and leadership opportunities, ensuring that every team member can grow and thrive in their role. With a hybrid working model based in London, we offer a unique environment where you can make a meaningful impact while enjoying a balanced work-life experience.
Contact Details:
Maximum ManagementFrazer Jones USA Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Employee Relations, Policy & Safeguarding
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies
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✨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 Maximum ManagementFrazer Jones USA 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 Head of Employee Relations, Policy & Safeguarding
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 Maximum ManagementFrazer Jones USA. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Maximum ManagementFrazer Jones USA
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at Maximum ManagementFrazer Jones USA, 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 Maximum ManagementFrazer Jones USA 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 Maximum ManagementFrazer Jones USA.
✨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 Maximum ManagementFrazer Jones USA.
