Head of Employee Relations

Horizon Care & Education; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading care and education organization in Leeds is seeking a Head of Employee Relations & Employee Experience. This role involves shaping an impactful HR function to support employees in delivering life-changing care to children. Candidates should have strong skills in HR business partnering and experience in employee relations, alongside a CIPD Level 7 qualification. The position offers up to £75K salary plus an annual bonus in a collaborative and values-led environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading an HR business partnering or ER function in a multi-site organization.
• 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 ensuring compliance and compassion.
• Drive initiatives that enhance well-being, engagement, and recognition.

Skills

HR business partnering

UK employment law

Employee engagement

Relationship-building

CIPD Level 7

Job description

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.

About the Role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

You’re an experienced, credible HR leader who thrives in a fast-paced, 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.

Required Skills

• 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).

Preferred Skills

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

Pay range and compensation package

Salary up to £75K with annual bonus.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.