Head of Employee Relations Jobs
As companies get larger, the workforce can become a powerful group. Industrial disputes are a reality of running a company, and managed badly they can reduce productivity, worry investors and hand advantages to competitors. That’s why many companies employ a head of employee relations. This role has the task of liaising with the workforce’s representatives, be they employees, shop stewards or third party union reps, to ensure relations between them and the senior management are optimal to the success and productivity of the company.
The head of employee relations is called upon to settle grievances and deal with disciplinary proceedings in a way that is seen to be fair, balanced and consistent. There are also health and safety considerations to contend with, and other aspects of employment law that affect the sector. Depending on the size of the company and the complexity of the employment picture, the head may also be asked to create a team of employee relations staff who oversee certain areas of the business.
The skills required
The overriding skill for this job is a demonstrable ability to deal with the reasonable demands of employees in a way that keeps them satisfied while maintaining maximum profitability and stability for the company. This can be a tough job, although expectations can be managed by ensuring employees’ rights and the company’s expectations of them are communicated to them at the contract stage.
Experience of dealing with unions is a bonus that will stand you in good stead in certain industries. An ability to foster relationships where employees can recognize the benefits of a harmonious atmosphere will be a valuable asset in the role. Avoiding disputes by constant communication with employees and/or their representatives and the board, plus any HR managers and directors, is key, so a CV that shows you have maintained good relations between employees and management will be useful.
Head of Employee Relations Jobs in Bognor Regis
Like most of the seaside resorts in the UK, Bognor Regis (originally simply called Bognor) started out as a self-sustaining fishing village that linked to market towns in the vicinity. The Victorian era saw a massive interest in the health benefits of “sea air” and bathing, and the traditional seaside resort that we know and love today was born. Bognor Regis had a particularly good time of it, becoming a regular haunt of the royals and their entourages, which rendered an air of exclusivity that the other resorts could only dream of. The railway came in the shape of a special branch in the London to Portsmouth line, and Bognor Regis started to attract visitors from without the aristocratic connections, and as time went on and workers’ rights became stronger and wages grew, the resort became a favourite of the holidaying working class.
Located 19 miles (30 km) to the east of Portsmouth, 23 miles (37 km) to the west of Brighton and 4 miles (7 km) south east of the cathedral city of Chichester, Bognor Regis is a relatively small town with a resident population of around 25,000. In the summer months, of course, this swells massively as tourists come to fill the hotels, B&Bs and the famous Butlin’s holiday camp. Many of its inhabitants will commute to the city or nearby towns for work, but the populace is economically active, which is why Head of Employee Relations jobs might sometimes come up in the town or the surrounding area.
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Find Head of Employee Relations Jobs with Cast UK
In a changing business landscape, it’s more vital than ever to have employees working with management to maintain profitability, and that’s why many companies are looking to hire specialist employee relationship managers. If you have experience that you could bring to this role, call Cast UK today on 0333 121 3345.
Cast UK is a recruitment consultancy that deals solely with management and executive level posts. We build relationships with companies so clients know they can rely on us to find them the best candidates for their management roles. In turn, we point candidates to the companies that are searching for people to fill their management vacancies. It’s a win-win situation, and employee relations specialists know what that feels like.
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