Head of People Business Partnering

This Role can be based from our Wrexham or Erith Site.

Main Purpose Of The Role;

To work with the Senior Teams across the group to agree people priorities and delivery plan. Works with the center of excellence to deliver the priorities. Responsible for fostering a positive, supportive, and legally compliant work environment. Leading the employee relations strategy, managing employee conflicts, advocating for both employees and management, and ensuring adherence to labor laws, company policies, and collective agreements. Develop programs that promote workplace fairness, productivity, and employee engagement.

Key Responsibilities;

Establishing the Operational People Priorities

• Works with the site SLTs and head of functions to establish the people priorities and deliver the group people strategies
• Establishes work requirements for the centre of excellence (COEs) to ensure projects and SLAs are delivered
• Analyses and interprets key people data into meaningful actions to improve performance across the group

Employee Relations Strategy & Policy Development:

• Lead and implement the organisation’s employee relations strategy, ensuring alignment with the overall People and business strategy.
• Develop, review, and update employee relations policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure compliance with legal regulations.
• Act as the subject matter expert on all issues relating to employee relations, providing guidance to site senior leadership teams and the site people teams.
• Provide support in managing change within the organisation to ensure smooth transitions.

Planning and Leading Change

• Plans and executes change programs across the group so they are engaging and delivered lawfully.
• Works with managers across the business to embed change

Conflict Resolution & Investigation:

• Lead investigations into employee grievances, workplace disputes, and potential violations of company policy.
• Handle complex employee relations cases, including disciplinary actions, complaints, and conflicts between employees or between employees and management.
• Ensure investigations are conducted fairly, thoroughly, and in compliance with legal and company standards.

Employee Engagement & Advocacy:

• Promote a positive company culture and improve employee engagement by working closely with the People Services and D&I and engagement teams.
• Advocate for employee concerns and work collaboratively with management to address issues effectively while maintaining a balance with business objectives.

Compliance & Legal Oversight:

• Ensure adherence to employee rights, workplace safety regulations, and collective bargaining agreements (if applicable).
• Work closely with the People Services and legal team on employee-related legal matters and support the organisation in managing risks associated with employment practices.

Reporting & Metrics:

• Provide regular reports to senior management on employee relations trends, key issues, and proposed actions. MyHRcases
• Track metrics to measure the effectiveness of employee relations initiatives and adjust strategies as needed.

Relationship Building:

• Foster strong relationships with employees, union representatives (if applicable), and management to build trust and open communication channels.
• Act as a point of contact for employee representatives and union leaders in negotiations and conflict resolution.

Qualification & Training;

• MCIPD Qualified, level 7.

Skills & Experience;

• An ability to commercially analyse the business and proposals to lead proposals and decisions.
• Ability to inspire and lead teams while maintaining an impartial, ethical approach to conflict resolution.
• Demonstrates understanding and a high level of emotional intelligence to address employee concerns.
• Operates with transparency, fairness, and integrity in all interactions.
• Identifies potential issues before they escalate and takes action to resolve them effectively.
• Experience of driving and implementing change.
• Proven experience in HR at a senior leadership level working with manufacturing teams / unionised.
• Experience of dealing with high volume ER issues.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Up to date knowledge of UK employment legislation.
• Successful track record of driving and implementing change initiatives.
• Proactively organised and able to work flexibly in order to meet deadlines and have the drive to deliver results.