Job Description
The Head of Employee Relations is a senior leadership role responsible for developing and leading the organisation’s employee relations strategy. This position ensures compliance with employment legislation, promotes a positive and inclusive workplace culture, and provides expert guidance on complex ER matters. The role partners closely with HR Business Partnering (and IR) Legal, and Senior business leaders to mitigate risk, lead change and drive employee engagement.
Key Responsibilities of the Head of Employee Relations:
1. Design and implement the employee relations strategy, driving cultural change, aligned with organisational objectives, strategy and Employee Services priorities.
2. Act as a trusted advisor to the Director of Employee Services and senior leadership on ER trends, risks, and opportunities.
3. Lead the development, review, and implementation of HR policies and procedures to shape the ER culture.
4. Develop training on ER policies and implement engagement programs to reduce disputes.
5. Ensure compliance with employment law, regulatory requirements, and internal governance standards.
6. Oversee, manage and coach complex ER cases, including grievances, disciplinary actions, and investigations.
7. Provide expert guidance and coaching to the ER Regional teams, Exec HR Business Partners and Senior Leadership teams on complex ER issues.
8. Collaborate with Employee Services teams to develop team knowledge and skills to enhance employee experience and engagement.
9. Monitor workplace culture and recommend interventions to support fairness, inclusion, and well-being, implementing engagement programs to reduce disputes.
10. Analyse and identify ER-related risks and trends, implementing mitigation strategies.
11. Prepare and present reports on ER metrics, case trends, and compliance to senior leadership to enable data driven decision making.
12. Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including Legal, Compliance and Senior business leaders.
13. Represent Employee Services in cross-functional projects and organisational initiatives.
Qualifications
14. Expert knowledge of employment law and ER best practices.
15. Strong leadership and influencing skills.
16. Excellent communication, advanced negotiation and change management expertise, and conflict resolution abilities.
17. Strategic thinking with a proactive approach to risk management.
18. Ability to manage sensitive issues with discretion and integrity.
19. Degree in HR, Business, or related field (Master’s preferred).
20. Professional HR certification (e.g., CIPD Level 7 or equivalent).
21. Extensive experience in employee relations leadership roles designing ER frameworks and strategy, driving cultural change within complex organisations.
Additional Information
As part of our drive to make Culina Group a great place to work. We are proud to be an inclusive and diverse organisation where we are committed to employee development and recognising success for hard working performers.
Our dedicated learning and development programmes are open to every employee to give you the opportunity to shape your own future within logistics and continue to work in an environment where team culture thrives.
Our People are the driving force behind our success, which is why we offer a wide range of benefits which include:
22. Annual Leave – Competitive holiday entitlement of 25 days + 8 Bank Holidays
23. Company Bonus – We do our best work to succeed together. When we achieve our goals you'll be rewarded through our bonus scheme
24. Private Medical Cover– This gives you peace of mind, you have choice, flexibility and speed of access to the most clinically appropriate care via Bupa
25. Pension scheme – we want colleagues to enjoy a comfortable retirement so we offer agreat contribution of 5% employee and 8% employer
26. Life Assurance - x4 your annual salary
27. Wellness – Via our Employee Assistance Programmewe offer immediate access to a confidential telephone counselling and legal information service that operates 24 hours a days, 365 days a year
28. Eye Care Vouchers – We can provide you with substantial savings with free eye tests and discounts on prescription glasses
29. Reward & Recognition – We recognise that employees have gone the extra mile via Employee of the month and year, special recognition and long service awards.
30. Everyday discounts - via our benefit platform you will have access to over 50 retailer discounts for everyday savings!