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 South Shields
South Shields sits at the mouth of the Tyne in Tyne and Wear, about 8 miles (13 km) downstream of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Gateshead, and about the same distance north of Sunderland. Although mining, shipbuilding and docks played a massive role in the town’s emergence during and after the Industrial Revolution, much of these industries has now been closed down, and the town relies on the service sector for local jobs. More likely, however, South Shields’ inhabitants will commute to Newcastle or Sunderland for their working lives. The port is still active, and although it is a shadow of its former self, seems to be growing.
The town punches above its weight when it comes to the list of famous people who were born or brought up there. The director of Alien, Prometheus, Thelma and Louise and Gladiator, Ridley Scott was born there, as were F1 genius Sir Frank Williams, Python Eric Idle, novelist Catherine Cookson and comedian Sarah Millican. At least some of them still have their Tyneside accents!
If you’re looking for Head of Employee Relations jobs in South Shields, it might be worth expanding your search a little to take in the surrounding towns and cities and perhaps even to look for related jobs rather than an exact match. Although the docks are active, there will be more diversity in Newcastle, Sunderland and Gateshead. Please ask our consultants if you are interested, as they will be able to do a more general search and flag up other positions that might be of interest.
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