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 Birmingham
The UK's second most populous metropolitan area, Birmingham is often called Britain's second city (although Manchester also lays claim to that title). In any case, it has been a hub of British industry and commerce for hundreds of years, and here at Cast UK, we can help you find your ideal Head of Employee Relations job in Birmingham.
In 1791, Arthur Young called Birmingham the world's first manufacturing town and by the mid-1800s it was known for its metal ware. Goods ranged from toys and jewellery through to guns, tools and dishes. Brass, gold, silver, steel and tin were all used, while other products included buttons, glasswork and ceramics.
Times have changed for Birmingham, and it has since become a hub of finance and commerce.
A huge redevelopment scheme, called the Big City Plan, is aiming to make the city one of the world's most liveable locations and the Globalization and World Cities Research Network has ranked it a beta world city due to its importance as a retail, events, conference and transport centre.
Indeed, Birmingham boasts three universities, several colleges, large exhibition centres like the NEC and the International Convention Centre, as well as the Bullring, one of the largest shopping centres in the country.
Many big companies call the city home, and around ten per cent of jobs are based in manufacturing, with employers including Jaguar, Goodyear Dunlop, Cadbury Trebor Bassett and Webley & Scott.
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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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