Head of HR Business Partnering & Employee Relations

Michael Page (UK); York and North Yorkshire; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established organisation in the health & social care sector is seeking a Senior People Services Leader to oversee HR operations, lead Employee Relations, and drive strategic people initiatives. This role requires strong leadership, the ability to influence at executive levels, and experience in handling complex employee relations matters. The position offers a competitive salary range of £65,000 to £70,000 per annum along with additional benefits, including a 10% pension contribution and a fixed-term contract for 6 months, primarily remote with some onsite work in York.

Benefits

10% pension contribution

Opportunity to make a meaningful impact

Chance to lead a collaborative HR team

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading People Business Partnering and Employee Relations teams within complex organisations.
• Track record of managing sensitive ER matters and large-scale change.
• Confidence in influencing and supporting leaders at executive level.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the HR Business Partnering team.
• Oversee Employee Relations function, including ER Manager and Advisors.
• Drive people-led change initiatives that align with business objectives.

Skills

Leadership in HR Business Partnering

Employee Relations management

Influencing and supporting executive leaders

Calm and pragmatic approach

Job description

• Operate as a trusted advisor to senior and executive leaders.


• 6 month FTC, January start required.

About Our Client

This is a great opportunity to join a well-established organisation within the health & social care sector, known for its commitment to making a meaningful impact. With a strong values base and a commitment to delivering high-quality services, the organisation is navigating ongoing transformation and change. People, culture and compliance sit firmly at the heart of its agenda.

Job Description

Reporting to the Director of People, you will lead a senior People Services function with responsibility for:

• Leading and developing the HR Business Partnering team


• Leading the Employee Relations function, including the ER Manager and ER Advisors


• Operating as a trusted senior advisor, working with stakeholders up to and including Executive Leadership level


• Providing clear oversight and direction across complex people programmes, including:
  
  
  • Organisational restructures and workforce change
  
  
  • TUPE-related changes to terms and conditions across multiple sites
  
  
  • Preparing for and responding to the implications of the new Employment Rights Bill
  
  


• Acting as the key link between Operations and central People teams, ensuring joined-up, practical support for the business


• Representing the People Services function at Operational Leadership Team meetings


• Driving and enabling people-led change initiatives that support wider business objectives

This is a hands‑on leadership role, balancing strategic oversight with practical delivery in a fast-moving environment. The role is predominantly based from home, with the expectation of 1-2 days per week onsite in York.

The Successful Applicant

The ideal candidate will be an accomplished senior interim HR / People leader who brings:

• Proven experience leading People Business Partnering and Employee Relations teams within complex, multi-site organisations (ideally not-for profit, health & social care, retail or hospitality)


• A strong track record of managing sensitive ER matters, restructures, TUPE and large‑scale change


• Confidence and credibility working at senior and executive level, with the ability to influence, challenge and support leaders effectively


• Solid experience across reward, pay governance and benefits (desirable, not essential)


• A calm, pragmatic approach, able to step in quickly, build trust and deliver results during a period of transition


• Experience in regulated or operationally complex environments (desirable)

What's on Offer

• £65,000 to £70,000 pa.


• 10% pension contribution.


• Opportunity to work within the not-for‑profit sector where you will be making a meaningful impact of the service user.


• Chance to lead a dedicated and collaborative HR team.


• Fixed‑term contract of initial 6 months.