Senior Director, Employee Relations & People Strategy

Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust; Kettering; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust is seeking a senior Employee Relations lead to shape ER across the Trust and support managers in applying employment law and policy.

You will oversee a skilled ER team, manage complex investigations, and partner with Staff Side to drive a Just Culture and People Strategy. The role requires Masters-level education, CIPD Chartered status, and strong analytical skills.

Qualifications

• Masters level or equivalent education/experience.
• CIPD Chartered status or equivalent.
• Extensive knowledge of Employee Relations and current employment law.
• Proven leadership and people management experience.
• Experience with Staff Side/Trades Unions and influencing outcomes.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills.
• Commitment to UHN values and Just Culture.
• Flexibility to work across multiple hospital sites.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior ER advice and coaching to managers and leaders; ensure policy and employment law compliance.
• Lead, develop and line manage the Employee Relations team; foster high performance and continuous improvement.
• Manage complex ER casework, including investigations and panel support.
• Build relationships with Staff Side and staff networks; enable partnership working.
• Oversee risk management for Employment Tribunals; prepare documentation and liaise with solicitors.
• Lead ER initiatives, service planning, KPI reporting and use data to guide interventions.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Analytical skills

Report writing

Communication

Stakeholder management

Education

Masters level or equivalent

CIPD Chartered status

CPD evidence

Tools

Excel

Job description

Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust is seeking a senior Employee Relations lead to shape ER across the Trust and support managers in applying employment law and policy.

You will oversee a skilled ER team, manage complex investigations, and partner with Staff Side to drive a Just Culture and People Strategy. The role requires Masters-level education, CIPD Chartered status, and strong analytical skills.