Head of Employee Relations

Diamond Search Recruitment Ltd; Leeds; On-site; GBP 59,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Head of Employee Relations & Employee Experience to lead strategy and execution. The role involves managing HR policies, driving employee engagement, and resolving conflicts. Candidates should have extensive experience in HR and employee relations, ideally within an Education sector background. This position is hybrid with a salary up to £70K plus an annual bonus.

Qualifications

• Experience in employee relations ideally from an Education & Children s Services background.
• Strong understanding of HR policies and legal compliance.
• Ability to lead conflict resolution and investigations.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy for employee relations and experience.
• Develop and oversee HR policies ensuring compliance.
• Manage investigations related to misconduct and provide guidance.

Skills

Employee relations management

Conflict resolution

HR policy development

Coaching and training

Data analysis and insights

Job description

Diamond Search Recruitment is delighted to be recruiting for a dynamic Head of Employee Relations & Employee Experience. Our client is ideally seeking a candidate from an Education & Children s Services background.

• Hybrid with presence 2 days a week in the Leeds office
• Travel required across the business
• Salary up to £70K with annual bonus

The candidate will lead the strategy and execution of all programmes that shape how employees are treated, supported, and engaged throughout their lifecycle at the company. While responsibilities vary, here is a comprehensive view of what this role typically covers:

Employee Relations Leadership

Policy & Compliance

• Develop, maintain, and oversee HR policies, ensuring legal compliance and alignment with company values.
• Monitor changes in labour laws and guide the organisation in adapting accordingly.

Conflict Resolution & Investigations

• Lead or oversee investigations related to misconduct, harassment, discrimination, performance concerns, or policy violations.
• Manage complex employee relations issues and provide expert guidance to HRBPs and managers.
• Ensure consistent, fair, and documented processes for all ER cases.

Manager Coaching

• Train and coach managers on handling difficult conversations, performance issues, and conflict.
• Build leader capability in people management and employee advocacy.

Risk Mitigation

• Identify organisational or behavioural risks and proactively design interventions.
• Partner with Legal on high-risk ER issues and litigation readiness.

Strategic HR Leadership

People Strategy & Organizational Development

• Partner with executives to align ER and EX strategies with business goals.
• Support change management initiatives, ensuring employees feel informed and supported during transitions.

Data & Insights

• Use HR analytics to identify trends related to turnover, engagement, ER cases, and culture.
• Deliver insights and recommendations to leadership.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with:

• HR Business Partners
• Legal
• Learning & Development
• Talent Acquisition
• DEI teams
• Internal Communications

Program and Process Ownership

Design and oversee:

• Recognition programs
• Employee feedback loops
• Internal communication strategy
• Employee resource groups (ERGs) support
• Workplace experience programs (amenities, events, etc.)

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead a team of ER specialists, EX strategists, or HRBPs depending on company structure.
• Develop team skills and ensure operational excellence.

If you have the skills and experience required, we want to hear from you! Join an organisation where your positive contribution will be valued. Apply today!

Diamond Search Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency regarding this vacancy.