Senior Employee Relations Manager

The Employee Relations function has a wide remit and provides the opportunity for the successful candidate to really make their mark across two trusts, a workforce of over 12000 and through a Group model. A high quality and responsive case management service is core to the role but this extends beyond this to include advising on terms and conditions of employment associated contracts (including for medical staff), ensuring employment compliance (including rights to work), policy development and legal compliance, organisational change, job evaluation and coaching and training of line managers in employment relationships in their teams. This is a key role in supporting the management of employment risk, organisational reputation and improving people culture consistent with our values, objectives and declared leadership behaviours. The ER team plays a key part in delivering our aspiration to be a best place to work through our recently published Delivering excellence through our people strategy. As a key strategic collaborator, the Senior Employee Relations Manager is tasked with effectively managing and advancing employee relations practices across both trusts. This dynamic position demands a proactive approach to leading the ER Team, ensuring their activities align with the trusts' strategic goals while fostering an environment of collaboration and empowerment. Leadership & Team Development Provide strategic oversight and direction for the Employee Relations Team, setting ambitious targets and cultivating a high-performance culture that aligns with the Trusts mission and values. Mentor and develop team members to enhance their capabilities, ensuring they are equipped to address complex employee relations issues while promoting a learning and just workplace environment. Strategic HR Oversight Collaborate closely with the HR Director, ER & Medial HR to define and implement People strategies that drive organisational effectiveness, improve employee engagement, and support continuous cultural improvement initiatives. Lead case reviews for complex employee relations matters, applying a just and learning approach to conflict resolution and employee engagement, ensuring fairness and transparency in all processes. Compliance and Risk Management. Ensure that all employee relations practices comply with relevant policies, legal regulations, and ethical standards. Proactively identify risks and implement measures to safeguard the Trusts' reputations. Develop and maintain robust frameworks for employee relations metrics and audits to assess and enhance compliance, facilitating organisational accountability. Expert Advice and Guidance Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and stakeholders on nuanced HR issues, offering expert insights and recommendations to inform strategic workforce planning. Address sensitive employee relations matters with discretion, utilising conflict resolution and restorative practices to guide discussions and decisions. For further details, please see enclosed Job Description.