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 Margate
If Norfolk and Suffolk were to disappear underwater, and let’s hope they don’t, the Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate cluster would represent the UK’s easternmost point. Situated on the tip of Kent, it has long been the holiday resort of choice for many a Londoner who wants to trade the city streets for sandy beaches and fun. It was also one of the favourite Mods v Rockers battlegrounds in the 1960s, although Brighton is better known for this accolade.
Like many seaside towns of the UK, Margate went through great development in the Victorian era, boomed in the mid to late twentieth century, then declined as more and more families holidayed overseas as flights became more affordable. Margate has a population of about 60,000, which does swell a little in the summer months, but it is more a day-tripper’s destination than a holiday resort nowadays. The population has had to diversify somewhat for the town to survive, and there is now a wider range of non-tourist employment and a small amount of manufacturing taking place in the town.
Manston Airport, or Kent International Airport, is located a few miles to the south west of Margate, and handles flights to mainland Europe and the Channel Islands. The town is reasonably well connected by road and rail to London and the South Coast, too. Margate will have the kinds of logistics needs that accompany any concentration of population, which can sometimes throw Head of Employee Relations jobs into the mix, but nearby Canterbury, Ashford or Folkestone might be better bets.
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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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