Head of Employee Relations & Engagement

Sanderson; Leinster; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Talbot Group seeks a Head of Employee Relations & Engagement to lead ER, engagement and retention across the Group, supporting a positive employee experience and consistent people practices. Reporting to the Director of People Operations & Engagement, the role will partner with operational managers to drive fair procedures and constructive resolution.

Hybrid working is available, with greater on-site presence during onboarding and the initial period in role.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading employee relations and engagement initiatives.
• Strong case management and employment law knowledge.
• Ability to balance employee advocacy with business objectives.
• Experience delivering group-wide listening initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex employee relations matters with fair procedures and escalation.
• Advise managers on policy implementation, performance management, grievances, disciplinary matters and constructive resolution.
• Own the attendance management approach, including triggers and return-to-work practices.
• Deliver group-wide engagement initiatives and employee listening across the group.
• Lead retention initiatives informed by turnover, absence and engagement data.
• Coordinate people communications, wellbeing, recognition and culture with managers.
• Maintain ER case governance, reporting and risk controls and highlight trends for action.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Employee relations

Engagement strategy

Coaching

Communication

Job description

Sanderson has been retained by Talbot Group to appoint a Head of Employee Relations & Engagement. Reporting to the Director of People Operations & Engagement this role will lead employee relations, engagement and retention activity across the Group, supporting a positive employee experience and consistent people practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead complex employee relations matters, ensuring fair procedures, timely case management and appropriate escalation.
• Advise and coach managers on policy implementation, performance management, grievances, disciplinary matters and constructive resolution.
• Own the attendance management approach, including consistent triggers, return-to-work practices, manager support and targeted interventions.
• Deliver Group-wide engagement and employee listening initiatives, including surveys, pulse checks, feedback mechanisms and local action plans.
• Lead retention initiatives informed by turnover, absence, exit and engagement data, prioritising key workforce pressure points.
• Coordinate people communications, wellbeing, recognition and culture initiatives in partnership with operational managers.
• Maintain employee relations case governance, management reporting and risk controls, highlighting trends and themes requiring organisational action.

Skills & Experience

• Significant experience leading employee relations and employee engagement initiatives.
• Strong track record supporting leaders and managers across complex people environments.
• Experience developing engagement strategies that deliver measurable outcomes.
• Strong case management expertise and sound employment law knowledge.
• Ability to balance employee advocacy with commercial and organisational objectives.
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong communication, influencing and coaching capability.
• Hybrid working available but greater on-site presence is required during onboarding and the initial period in role.