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 Dorset
An English county in the south-west, Dorset shares borders with Devon, Wiltshire and Somerset - it also has an extensive coastline along the English Channel.
Dorset includes a number of towns - like Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole, Dorchester, Portland and Weymouth - and while the majority of the region is rural, it offers a number of options for those seeking Head of Employee Relations vacancies.
For much of Dorset's past, the economy was based on agriculture, while mining and fishing were also important industries.
These days, however, things are a bit different in Dorset and the region now relies mainly on the service sector, hospitality and retail. Construction and manufacturing are also important industries, while a number of armed forces facilities are also located here - such as the Royal Armoured Corps in Bovington and the Royal Marines in Poole.
Several large companies can be found in Dorset, including J.P. Morgan and Sunseeker International, which manufactures yachts. Aerospace companies like BAE Systems and Cobham plc have facilities in the region, while Bournemouth University is also a big employer.
Other companies include Dorset Cereals, Fitness First, Merlin Entertainments, Lloyds TSB Insurance and Imagine Publishing.
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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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