Job Description
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic Head of Employee Relations to join our People and Change team for a period of 12 month.
The energy industry is advancing with investment in smart technology innovation and Northern Powergrid, as the company responsible for powering everyday life for 8 million customers across 3.9 million homes and businesses in the Northeast, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire, is at the forefront of delivering a power network that meets the region’s needs, now and in the future.
Reporting into the Director or People and Change, the Head of Employee Relations is responsible for the Employee Relations strategy that maintains collegiate partnerships with our trade unions and our colleagues that enables a high performing and engaged workforce.
Along with a competitive salary up to £70,000, we also offer great benefits such as:
•Enrolment into our double-matched pension scheme
•25 days holiday plus bank holidays
•Annual performance bonus up to 20%
•Personal Transport provision
•Agile working
We’re excited to hear from candidates with a passion for our company and the industry and a desire to succeed. Apply now and we’ll be in touch.
Key Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
•Be the subject matter expert on all matters of HR Policy, legislation, industrial relations and trade union engagement including advising on the application of local agreements, collective bargaining and dispute resolution including industrial action.
•Identify and drive philosophies and programmes to foster constructive employee relations and ensure the organisations' approach to its colleagues is fair, respectful and consistent.
•Reduce risks by developing programmes, policies and procedures to promote fair and equitable employee relations and business decisions
•Maintain a leading knowledge and understanding of relevant policy and legislation as well as working agreements and develop strategies to deploy in a best-fit way into the business.
•Manage the relationships with multiple trade unions in a complex work environment
•Leading formal ER related activity to include collective bargaining, dispute resolution and change consultations.
•Work with stakeholders to identify any opportunities to change aspects of the way interactions and communications are conducted
•Creating and promote an inclusive working environment which encourages mutual respect.
•Provide guidance and counsel to managers and colleagues on employee relations issues and workplace practices.
•Provide guidance and coaching to the HRA and HRBP teams to ensure the highest standards in consistent ER casework.
Essential Qualifications & Experience:
•Deep and broad up-to-date knowledge and understanding of engaging with trade unions with significant senior level experience designing, delivering and evaluating effective change within a similar multi trade union environment.
•Experience of managing the trade unions/colleague relationship with multiple trade unions in a complex work environment
•Significant experience of working with differing level roles.
•Demonstrable political awareness, diplomacy and discretion, able to work closely with senior stakeholders such as full time union officials and executive team, reconciling different views in sensitive areas.
•Proven ability to influence and inspire at all levels and across diverse stakeholder groups, including Board level.
•Demonstrable persuasion and influencing skills to foster and maintain key relationships and networks at all levels, High level of analytical, communication and interpersonal skills.
•Proven ability to communicate ideas and information in a user friendly and effective manner, both orally and in writing, varying the communication style to fit the audience and engaging and inspiring people at all levels.
Closing date for applications: 17th November 2024
Visit northernpowergrid.com/careers to find out more about this and other career opportunities.
Applicants are considered on the basis of their suitability for the post irrespective of sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender re-assignment, race, age or disability, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.