Head of Employee Relations
Ormiston Academies Trust, Birmingham, B3 1SF6 days remaining to apply
Closing date
21 January 2025 at 9am
Date listed
8 January 2025
Job details
Job role
- Administration, HR, data and finance
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- £75,024.00 - £81,145.00 Annually (Actual)
Head of Employee Relations job summary
Work where it matters most, achieve what matters more
Be part of a team where passion meets purpose, as we work together where the challenge is greatest to change the lives and build the futures of children and young people.
About this role
Are you an experienced HR professional with the expertise to navigate complex employee relations challenges and lead with strategic vision? We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Head of Employee Relations to join our brilliant People Team. This is a pivotal role where you will lead on all aspects of employee relations, from providing strategic direction and guiding complex cases to championing our delivering excellence culture and leveraging HR data to drive meaningful improvements.
You will oversee negotiations and build collaborative relationships with trade unions, manage HR change initiatives, and support and empower your Regional People Partner Team to deliver consistent, fair, and legally compliant solutions for our schools. Your work will directly contribute to creating an environment where our staff can thrive, enabling us to fulfil our mission of providing children with outstanding learning opportunities that open doors to a brighter future.
This role is a full time, all year-round home-based role with regular travel to our Birmingham office and to our 44 schools nationwide as required.
About Ormiston Academies Trust
Our vision is to create a school system where every child thrives, regardless of background. Our people are at the heart of our approach – they are our greatest asset.
There’s nothing more important than educating the next generation, and our teams across Ormiston are continuing to undertake excellent work to make sure that the opportunities we provide have the greatest impact for every child and young person. If you join us at Ormiston, whatever your role, you can be sure of a role with purpose and meaning.
Ormiston, where every member of staff enjoys…
- The opportunity to build on the legacy of those who came before – being part of one of the longest standing Trusts, created with the sole purpose of enabling children and young people to thrive
- Working for a Trust nationally recognised for its impact on disadvantaged children – a rewarding, stimulating career where staff are challenged to be the best they can be, for the pupils we are proud to serve
- Being part of a team and community where you belong – receiving bespoke and holistic support from a well-resourced and ambitious network of experts and professionals that work at the heart of communities
- A supportive environment to grow your career – an extensive professional development programme, alongside flexible working arrangements and generous benefits
About you
You are a HR leader with significant expertise in employment law, employee relations, and strategic workforce management. Your ability to navigate complex cases, influence senior stakeholders, and manage relationships with trade unions sets you apart.
You bring in-depth knowledge of national education frameworks such as the Green Book and Burgundy Book, coupled with a proven track record in handling sensitive issues with integrity, professionalism, and discretion. Ideally MCIPD-qualified, you have extensive experience in a senior employee relations role, preferably within education or a similarly complex organisation.
Your strengths include exceptional communication, negotiation, and analytical skills, which you use to foster trust, solve problems, and drive meaningful outcomes. Resilient and adaptable, you excel in balancing competing priorities, delivering results under pressure, and leading with a collaborative and inclusive approach.
If you are passionate about making a difference and are ready to lead in a challenging yet rewarding environment, we would love to hear from you.
Benefits that care for you
We value your hard work and dedication, and we’re committed to ensuring you feel supported, both professionally and personally so that you are in the best position to make the most impact for the children and young people in our schools.
When you join us at Ormiston, you can be certain that your work will have purpose and meaning. You can also expect robust and holistic support from us to enable you to excel in your role.
You will have access to an attractive benefits package including;
- 30 days annual leave (rising to 32 days after 5 years’ service)
- Generous pension and life cover
- Access to health and well-being programmes, including counselling service.
- Discounts on retail, travel, and leisure through our benefits platform.
- Free and confidential legal, tax and health 24/7 helpline.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Automatic pay progression.
- Flexible working arrangements.
And much more as part of a leading multi-academy trust.
If you have any questions about the role please contact Sabrina Jackson, National Director of People and Communications via email: sabrina.jackson@ormistonacademies.co.uk
The closing date for applications is 9am on 21 January, with initial interviews being held via teams on 27 January 2025.
Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should a suitable candidate be found.
Ormiston Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. Ormiston Academies Trust embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Flexible working opportunities will be considered.
All successful appointments will be subject to suitability checks in accordance with KCSIE, including identity, Right to Work, qualifications, online searches, prohibition check, two references and enhanced DBS check including Children’s Barred List.
The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. Guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, which provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related exceptions, can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-guidance-on-the-rehabilitation-of-offenders-act-1974
Commitment to safeguarding
OAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and the expectation is that all staff will share this commitment. Therefore, the successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS and barred list check.
Applying for the job
This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.
CVs are not accepted.
About Ormiston Academies Trust
- Type
- Multi-academy trust
We are a national education charity, underpinned by our founder, Peter Murray’s (Ormiston Trust) belief that every child should be given a chance to thrive. We serve pupils from many communities, all with their unique character, strengths, and challenges.
Head office location
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