Head of Employee Relations
12-Month FTC (with potential to go permanent)
Band 8b | Home Counties (Hybrid, 40% on-site)
Our client, a leading NHS organisation in the Home Counties, is seeking an outstanding Head of Employee Relations to lead their ER team. This is a rare opportunity to shape strategy, influence culture, and lead on some of the most complex and high-profile employee relations challenges in the organisation.
The successful candidate will bring both strategic leadership and hands-on expertise, combining sharp judgement with the ability to support and empower a high-performing ER team.
The Role
As Head of Employee Relations, you will :
- Lead the full spectrum of complex ER casework, including conduct, grievances, and high-profile employment tribunals.
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and the Board, providing decisive counsel on sensitive, high-stakes ER matters.
- Own and shape the Trust’s ER strategy and frameworks, from policy development through to large-scale change programmes (including restructures and TUPE).
- Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with Trade Union colleagues.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a skilled ER team, embedding a culture of fairness, resolution, and continuous improvement.
The Person
We are looking for a resilient and credible ER leader who can operate with confidence at Executive level. You will bring :
Proven expertise in managing complex, high-risk casework and tribunals.Strong experience of working in politically sensitive environments.The ability to design and deliver innovative ER strategies, grounded in data, insight, and legal knowledge.A track record of constructive partnership with Trade Unions.CIPD qualification (Chartered or working towards) with deep knowledge of employment lawNHS experience would be preferred, but wider Public Sector will also be consideredIf you have a proven track record in employee relations, have led teams and also experience of working with trade unions, please submit your CV and any additional relevant information