Head of Employee Relations

12-Month FTC (with potential to go permanent)
Band 8b | Home Counties (Hybrid, 2 days on-site)

Our client, a leading NHS organisation in the Home Counties, is seeking an outstanding Head of Employee Relations to lead their ER team. This is a rare opportunity to shape strategy, influence culture, and lead on some of the most complex and high-profile employee relations challenges in the organisation. 

The successful candidate will bring both strategic leadership and hands-on expertise, combining sharp judgement with the ability to support and empower a high-performing ER team.

The Role

As Head of Employee Relations, you will:

• Lead the full spectrum of complex ER casework, including conduct, grievances, and high-profile employment tribunals.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and the Board, providing decisive counsel on sensitive, high-stakes ER matters.
• Own and shape the Trust’s ER strategy and frameworks, from policy development through to large-scale change programmes (including restructures and TUPE).
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with Trade Union colleagues.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a skilled ER team, embedding a culture of fairness, resolution, and continuous improvement.

The Person

We are looking for a resilient and credible ER leader who can operate with confidence at Executive level. You will bring:

• Proven expertise in managing complex, high-risk casework and tribunals.
• Strong experience of working in politically sensitive environments.
• The ability to design and deliver innovative ER strategies, grounded in data, insight, and legal knowledge.
• A track record of constructive partnership with Trade Unions.
• CIPD qualification (Chartered or working towards) with deep knowledge of employment law
• NHS experience would be preferred, but wider Public Sector will also be considered

If you have a proven track record in employee relations, have led teams and also experience of working with trade unions, please submit your CV and any additional relevant information.