Head of ER - permanent - #2084072

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for a seasoned Employee Relations leader to define and lead a Group-wide ER function within a fast-paced, commercially driven organisation. This is a pivotal role with the mandate to build a best-in-class ER capability, influence senior stakeholders, and drive a proactive, commercially focused people agenda.
Operating within a private equity-backed, acquisition-led business, the organisation is experiencing rapid growth and transformation across a diverse, multi-brand portfolio. With a highly decentralised structure and strong commercial focus, there is a critical need for a credible, pragmatic ER leader to bring consistency, governance, and forward-thinking practices across the Group.This environment will suit someone who thrives at pace, enjoys navigating ambiguity, and is motivated by the opportunity to build, shape, and elevate an ER function while continuing to progress their own career at a senior level.
Your Role As the Senior Partner, Employee Relations, you will act as the organisation's most senior ER specialist, leading both strategy and operational delivery.Key Responsibilities

• Lead & Scale the ER Function
• Develop and execute a commercially aligned ER strategy
• Establish consistent frameworks, governance, and best practice across the business
• Build and develop a high-performing ER capability
• Complex & High-Risk Case Management
• Lead on sensitive and high-profile cases including disciplinaries, grievances, whistleblowing, discrimination, and senior exits
• Act as the escalation point for complex ER matters
• Ensure consistent, legally robust, and commercially sound outcomes
• Employment Tribunal & Risk Management
• Manage Employment Tribunal activity end-to-end
• Partner with legal counsel on litigation strategy
• Provide clear advice on legal exposure and reputational risk
• Organisational Change & M&A
• Lead ER input on restructures, redundancy programmes, and transformation initiatives
• Support acquisitions, TUPE, and post-integration activity
• Minimise disruption and mitigate risk through periods of change
• Stakeholder Influence & Coaching
• Build trusted relationships with senior leaders
• Coach and upskill managers on ER best practice and decision-making
• Influence and challenge to drive consistency and accountability
• Policy, Insight & Culture
• Modernise ER frameworks, policies, and processes
• Introduce data-led insight on trends and risk areas
• Support the development of a high-performance, fair and accountable culture

What You'll Bring

• Significant experience operating as a senior ER specialist or Head of ER
• A background within a fast-paced, highly commercial environment
• Experience in private equity-backed, retail, or multi-site organisations (highly desirable)
• Deep expertise in UK employment law, complex case management, and Employment Tribunals
• Proven ability to operate at pace, manage ambiguity, and balance commercial and legal priorities
• Strong stakeholder management with credibility at senior leadership level
• Experience building or transforming ER functions, frameworks, or teams
• CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent)

What you'll get in return


What you need to do now


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