Head of Employee Relations

Horizon Care and Education; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 59,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading care and education provider is seeking a Head of Employee Relations and Employee Experience to lead their HR function and foster a people-first culture. The role requires proven leadership experience in HR and employee relations, strong knowledge of UK employment law, and skills in driving employee engagement. Join a dedicated team where you can make a real impact on the lives of children and young people.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading an HR business partnering or ER function in a complex organisation.
• Strong expertise in UK employment law and HR best practice.
• A track record of handling complex employee relations cases.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a proactive, high-quality HR service aligned to business needs.
• Oversee all employee relations activity with compassion and compliance.
• Drive initiatives enhancing well-being and inclusion.

Skills

HR business partnering

UK employment law expertise

Employee relations handling

Employee engagement

Relationship-building

CIPD Level 7

Education

CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent)

Job description

Head of Employee Relations and Employee Experience

Lead with Purpose. Build a People-First Culture.

Hybrid with presence 2 days a week in Leeds Office (LS25 1NB)

Travel across the business to our homes and schools

Salary up to £70K with annual bonus

We re looking for a dynamic, values-led Head of Employee Relations & Employee Experience (ER & EX) to shape and lead a high-performing HR function that truly puts people at the heart of everything we do.

As part of our senior People Team, you ll ensure our employees feel supported, empowered, and inspired so they can deliver life-changing care and education to children and young people across our residential children s homes and SEND schools.

Reporting to the Chief People Officer, and working closely with the Head of Talent Acquisition and Development, you ll drive collaboration across HR and operational leadership ensuring every stage of the employee journey is consistent, positive, and purpose-driven.

What You ll Do

• Lead HR Business Partnering: Deliver a proactive, high-quality, and solution-focused HR service aligned to business needs.
• Champion Fairness & Integrity: Oversee all employee relations activity, ensuring consistency, compliance, and compassion in every decision.
• Elevate Employee Experience: Drive initiatives that enhance well-being, engagement, inclusion, and recognition across all teams.
• Safeguard & Govern: Ensure HR operations meet employment law, Ofsted, and safeguarding standards with robust data, DBS, and compliance oversight.
• Inspire Culture & Collaboration: Champion our values, promote a positive, inclusive culture, and role model ethical leadership.

About You

You re an experienced, credible HR leader who thrives in a fast-pace, purpose-driven environment. You know how to balance strategy with hands-on delivery and you re passionate about creating great workplaces where people feel they belong.

You ll bring

• Proven experience leading an HR business partnering or ER function in a multi-site or complex organisation.
• Strong expertise in UK employment law and HR best practice.
• A track record of handling complex employee relations cases with fairness and confidence.
• Experience driving employee engagement, well being, or culture change.
• Excellent relationship-building and influencing skills at all levels.
• CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent).

Desirable

• Experience in children s services, education, or safeguarding-focused environments.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed or values-led cultures.

Why Join Us?

At Horizon Care & Education, we believe that when our people thrive, the children and young people in our care thrive too. You ll join a passionate, supportive team committed to continuous learning, collaboration, and genuine impact.

This is your opportunity to shape culture, strengthen connection, and make a real difference every day.

Ready to Lead Change?

Apply now to join a values-driven organisation where your expertise will help create exceptional experiences for our people and those we serve.