Head of Employee Relations Jobs
As companies get larger, the workforce can become a powerful group. Industrial disputes are a reality of running a company, and managed badly they can reduce productivity, worry investors and hand advantages to competitors. That’s why many companies employ a head of employee relations. This role has the task of liaising with the workforce’s representatives, be they employees, shop stewards or third party union reps, to ensure relations between them and the senior management are optimal to the success and productivity of the company.
The head of employee relations is called upon to settle grievances and deal with disciplinary proceedings in a way that is seen to be fair, balanced and consistent. There are also health and safety considerations to contend with, and other aspects of employment law that affect the sector. Depending on the size of the company and the complexity of the employment picture, the head may also be asked to create a team of employee relations staff who oversee certain areas of the business.
The skills required
The overriding skill for this job is a demonstrable ability to deal with the reasonable demands of employees in a way that keeps them satisfied while maintaining maximum profitability and stability for the company. This can be a tough job, although expectations can be managed by ensuring employees’ rights and the company’s expectations of them are communicated to them at the contract stage.
Experience of dealing with unions is a bonus that will stand you in good stead in certain industries. An ability to foster relationships where employees can recognize the benefits of a harmonious atmosphere will be a valuable asset in the role. Avoiding disputes by constant communication with employees and/or their representatives and the board, plus any HR managers and directors, is key, so a CV that shows you have maintained good relations between employees and management will be useful.
Head of Employee Relations Jobs in Bangor
The County Down town of Bangor is a north-facing seaside town lying 10 miles (16 km) east of the centre of Northern Ireland’s capital Belfast. Newtownards is a few miles to the south, but Bangor is surrounded on all sides by lush agricultural land, making it a desirable place to live, favoured by affluent people and commuters to the city. It’s also a resort for holidaymakers and day-trippers, with parks and golf clubs aplenty. The front, which opens up onto the eastern part of Belfast Lough, has three distinct characters. To the west it is made up of low cliffs and rock formations; in amongst the rocks is a popular marina; and to the east there’s a cove with a sandy beach.
Bangor is connected to Belfast by the last remaining part of the Victorian Belfast and County Down Railway, and has two stations, with regular services. There is also the main A2 road which connects the two in a 20-minute drive. Towards the end of the journey you would pass Belfast City Airport, a commuter favourite, handy for Bangor’s business community.
At the south of Bangor is a business park with various light industry as well as leisure facilities such as ex-Formula One driver Eddie Irvine’s enterprise, an activity centre with karting, paintball, laser combat and football. With a population of around 60,000 with relatively affluent needs, logistics and supply chain positions such as Head of Employee Relations jobs do appear from time to time in Bangor, but widening your search to include Belfast would certainly pay dividends.
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Find Head of Employee Relations Jobs with Cast UK
In a changing business landscape, it’s more vital than ever to have employees working with management to maintain profitability, and that’s why many companies are looking to hire specialist employee relationship managers. If you have experience that you could bring to this role, call Cast UK today on 0333 121 3345.
Cast UK is a recruitment consultancy that deals solely with management and executive level posts. We build relationships with companies so clients know they can rely on us to find them the best candidates for their management roles. In turn, we point candidates to the companies that are searching for people to fill their management vacancies. It’s a win-win situation, and employee relations specialists know what that feels like.
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