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 Tyne and Wear
Located in the north-east of England, Tyne and Wear is a county named after the two local rivers that flow into the North Sea. It is bordered by County Durham and Northumberland.
Tyne and Wear comprises a number of metropolitan boroughs: North and South Tyneside, Gateshead, Sunderland and Newcastle upon Tyne - all of which offer a range of options for those seeking Head of Employee Relations positions.
During the Industrial Revolution, the region rose to prominence, with coal mining, shipbuilding and heavy industry all bringing wealth to the area. Flint glass was also produced here and a number of products were developed in the area, including safety lamps, self-raising flour, Joseph Swan's electric lightbulbs and the steam turbine.
These days, Tyne and Wear supports a number of business sectors, ranging from manufacturing and engineering through to services, retail and finance.
Just some of the many companies located in Tyne and Wear include Be-Ro Flour, the Go-Ahead Group, Greggs the baker, BAE Systems, Orange, T-Mobile, Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK, Npower, EDF Energy and Ubisoft.
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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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