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 Gosport
The natural harbour in the south of England, just north of the Isle of Wight, is home to one of the world's most famous ports, Portsmouth. Less well known but of equal importance is the town of Gosport, located just over the water to the east. The geography forms a pair of natural jaws that expand behind to Fareham Lake, much of which is navigable to large vessels, hence the superb maritime history of the area. Even in the Lake's shallower parts there is a thriving yachting and sailing scene, and the harbour always has hundreds if not thousands of small boats bobbing on its surface.
Much of Gosport's industry for hundreds of years has been reliant on and connected to seafaring, so the general decline in both military and civilian maritime life in the south of England has undoubtedly impacted on the area. It has had to diversify to survive, and although there are still many jobs in maritime-related positions, it does not have the dominance it once did. A large number of small businesses and a few districts where light industry dominates help keep the town going, and the population does grow slightly in summer to accommodate workers associated with recreational boating.
With Portsmouth directly to the east and the major port of Southampton 14 miles (23 km) to the north west, Gosport will always have important maritime links and this can be good news for anyone seeking Head of Employee Relations positions. The town is also rather large, at 80,000 even out of the summer months, and large towns always have supply chain and logistics needs that are unconnected to industry. Although the port might not be what it once was, it still presents quite good opportunities.
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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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