Senior HR Policy & Employee Relations Strategist

Aru; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous holiday entitlement

Occupational pension schemes

Training and development opportunities

Travel to work scheme

Competitive relocation package

Job summary

ARU is seeking an Assistant Director (Policy, Strategy & Employee Relations) to lead employment policy, strategic employee relations and workforce governance across the university. Based in Chelmsford, Cambridge or Peterborough, with travel across campuses, this permanent full-time role reports to the Chief People Officer.

You will shape robust employment frameworks, advise senior committees, oversee pay and pensions policy, and coach leaders using data and legal insights.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading employment policy in a complex organisation.
• Advice to executive leaders on employment matters with credibility.
• Knowledge of collective bargaining and workforce governance.
• Experience with change and transformation programmes.
• Strong negotiation, consultation and communication skills.
• Postgraduate study or qualification in HR or employment law is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Shape and implement employment policies, contracts and terms.
• Lead strategic employee relations and oversee collective agreements.
• Partner with colleagues to deliver major organisational change.
• Provide executive papers and governance recommendations.
• Oversee pay and pensions policy and job evaluation.
• Coach leaders and use data and benchmarking to manage risk.

Skills

Employment policy

Employee relations

Strategic leadership

Governance

Change management

Advisory to executives

Education

Higher degree or professional qualification in HR or employment law

Job description

ARU is seeking an Assistant Director (Policy, Strategy & Employee Relations) to lead employment policy, strategic employee relations and workforce governance across the university. Based in Chelmsford, Cambridge or Peterborough, with travel across campuses, this permanent full-time role reports to the Chief People Officer.

You will shape robust employment frameworks, advise senior committees, oversee pay and pensions policy, and coach leaders using data and legal insights.