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 Maidstone
The county town of Kent, Maidstone is situated on the River Medway and is just over 30 miles south-east of London. A bustling town with plenty of history and pretty public gardens, Maidstone is also an excellent option for those seeking Head of Employee Relations positions.
Archaeological evidence suggests that the area around Maidstone has been occupied since the Neolithic era, while the Romans and Normans also had settlements here. For much of the town's history, its economy relied on the river, which powered mills and served as a trade route.
By the 18th century, Maidstone had built up a number of industries, including stone quarrying, brewing and cloth making. Paper was also manufactured here and a technique for making wove paper was developed by James Whatman in 1740.
Today, Maidstone is a thriving community with plenty of retail space, restaurants and accommodation. It's also home to a number of large companies, such as KEF, which makes loudspeakers on the site of what was once a metalworking facility.
Maidstone is home to one of the largest office centres in the country. A significant amount of paper and package making is still carried out here and Aylesford is the largest paper recycling facility in Europe - it also manufactures newsprint.
In recent years, a number of tech and communications companies have also set up operations in Maidstone.
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