Head of Employee Relations

Head of People Relations

Location: Sussex (Minimum 2 Days On Site)

Salary: £66,582 - £77,368 per annum

Contract: 12-Month Fixed Term Contract

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced and forward-thinking Head of People Relations to join a leading NHS organisation in Sussex. This is a key leadership role within the People Directorate, offering the chance to shape and develop a modern, progressive People Relations service that supports a positive workplace culture and outstanding employee experience.

Working as part of the senior People team, you will provide strategic leadership across the People Relations (ER) function, ensuring the delivery of a high-quality advisory service underpinned by the principles of a Just Culture. You will play a central role in delivering the organisation's People Strategy, driving fair, consistent and compassionate people practices across the Trust.

This role offers a blended approach to agile working, with a minimum of two days per week on site in Sussex and flexibility to work remotely for 3 days.

You must have extensive experience with Employee Relations & team management within the NHS or public sector to be considered for this.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the People Relations service, delivering a professional and responsive employee relations function
• Provide expert advice on complex employee relations matters, ensuring compliance with employment legislation and best practice
• Support the delivery of the Trust's People Strategy and wider organisational objectives
• Build and maintain effective partnerships with trade unions and key stakeholders
• Champion a Just Culture approach, promoting fairness, inclusion and continuous improvement
• Lead on highly complex employee relations cases, policy interpretation and workforce relations initiatives
• Support the implementation of a modern, digitally enabled People Relations service

Person Specification

• CIPD qualified with a Master's level qualification or equivalent experience
• Significant experience leading Employee Relations or People Relations functions within a large, complex organisation
• Extensive knowledge of UK employment law and employee relations best practice
• Proven experience managing highly complex workforce and employee relations matters
• Strong experience working collaboratively with recognised trade unions
• Sound understanding of NHS frameworks and workforce policies
• Demonstrable leadership experience with the ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders
• Experience in business partnering and/or people management

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to join an organisation committed to creating a fair, supportive and inclusive working environment where colleagues can thrive. You will have the opportunity to lead meaningful change, develop services that directly improve staff experience, and contribute to the delivery of high-quality healthcare services across Sussex.

If you are an experienced HR leader with a passion for employee relations and a track record of delivering strategic workforce solutions, we would love to hear from you.