Our client is seeking an experienced Head of Employee Relations on a 12 month fixed term contract whilst covering maternity, to lead their employee relations strategy within a complex and fast-paced higher education establishment.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a senior ER professional to work closely with leadership teams, providing strategic and operational guidance across all aspects of employee relations and partnering with the organisation where required.  

Experience within a Higher Education Establishment is essential and therefore flexible work from home options can be considered for candidates who live further afield.

About the Role

As Head of Employee Relations, you will act as the subject matter expert for all ER matters, supporting senior stakeholders and people managers with expert advice on complex cases. You will play a key role in developing and embedding ER policies, ensuring legal compliance, and promoting fair, inclusive, and consistent people practices.

Working as part of a collaborative People team, you will also contribute to wider organisational strategy by providing insights, reporting, and guidance to support decision-making and cultural development.

Key Responsibilities

• Management responsibility for 2 HR Business Partners
• Lead the organisation's employee relations strategy and approach.
• Provide expert advice on complex ER cases including disciplinary, grievance, performance, attendance, whistleblowing, and safeguarding matters.
• Support organisational change, restructures, and workforce planning initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with trade unions and employee representatives.
• Develop, review, and maintain ER policies and frameworks to ensure legal compliance and best practice.
• Provide strategic reporting and insights to senior leaders.
• Support a culture of inclusion, fairness, and high performance.

About You

You will be an experienced senior ER professional with strong knowledge of UK employment law and industrial relations within a Higher Education setting. You will be confident managing high-risk cases, working with senior stakeholders, and supporting organisational change.

You will ideally have:

• CIPD Level 7 or equivalent experience (desirable).
• Significant experience working at a senior level in employee relations.
• Proven experience working with trade unions.
• Experience working within higher education
• Experience supporting TUPE or complex change programmes (desirable).
• Strong coaching, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.

What's On Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to influence strategy within a forward-thinking organisation.
• Collaborative and supportive working environment.