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 Bootle
Modern-day Bootle is indistinguishable from the main conurbation of Liverpool, so absorbed has it become. However it is a distinct part, and is part of the Sefton area, the coastal borough that stretches up to Southport. Bootle is the home to Liverpool’s famous docklands, and is still active as a container port, despite a general decline in Liverpool’s status as a maritime hub. Liverpool itself is a relatively young city, and Bootle grew up around the same time as it, with its docks being built in the nineteenth century – indeed until Liverpool was such a major port, Bootle was q rather quaint resort.
Bootle lies to the north of the city of Liverpool, with an expansive front that faces onto the Mersey and the North Sea. Directly across the outlet is the northern tip of the Wirral, New Brighton, which is accessible by tunnel. The railway network connects Bootle directly to Liverpool, Southport, Preston and Manchester. Although the M57 and M58 pass to the east of the city area, there is no direct motorway access to the town.
Bootle suffered a substantial decline in the 1980s and 1990s as shipping companies limited their use of Liverpool’s docks, although the decline seems to have been arrested, and a major regeneration project is going on in the area. A major boost has been the return of liners to Liverpool in the past few years, which, it is hoped, will boost the economy and Liverpool’s reputation as a port. The proximity to the container port and the bustling streets of Liverpool means that there will always be a need for Head of Employee Relations jobs to be filled, however, so Bootle looks set to continue playing a part in the logistics and supply chain industries.
Popular locations
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.
Contact us