Head of Employee Relations

The University of Southampton is a leading research-intensive University, a founding member of the prestigious Russell Group, and sits within the top 1% of universities worldwide.   

Our people are our University: they are at the heart of everything we do and the impact we make on a local to global scale.  The University of Southampton is seeking an exceptional leader to join our Human Resources Department as Head of Employee Relations. This is a pivotal role, setting the strategic direction for a vital function that ensures a positive and progressive working environment for our diverse university community.

About the Role

As Head of Employee Relations, you’ll lead the delivery of customer-focused ER services. You'll guide and modernise our industrial relations strategy and ensure our practices align with employment law and best practice.

In this influential role, you’ll:

• Shape and deliver a University-wide Employee Relations strategy.
• Build and sustain constructive relationships with recognised Trade Unions.
• Act as Joint Secretary to our Joint Negotiation Committees.
• Lead a high-performing ER team and first-line HR support service.
• Provide expert guidance on complex, high-risk ER matters to senior leaders.
• Drive digital transformation in service delivery, including our move to ServiceNow.

About You

You are a confident leader with a proven track record in strategic employee relations and experience of managing complex ER cases in large, matrixed organisations. You bring:

• In depth knowledge of UK employment law and its application
• The ability to lead and manage large teams in a dynamic environment.
• A passion for continuous improvement and delivering high-quality, people-focused services.
• Level 7 or above professional qualification or equivalent experience.

 Previous experience of building and managing relationships with Trades Union representatives in a public sector or HEI setting is desirable but not essential

Why Join Us?

We are committed to building an inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment where everyone can thrive. We value diversity and believe a truly representative workforce helps us better meet our goals. We especially welcome applications from individuals who are currently underrepresented in our community, including those from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, lower socio-economic groups, LGBTQ+ communities, or those with a disability.

Based at our lively Highfield campus, you will have access to our sports complex, and lots of social and green spaces. Committed to supporting our staff, we are open to a flexible working approach with a mix of home and office working.  We consider applicants that wish to work flexibly and those who have taken a career break. 

As well as additional benefits, such as a generous holiday allowance (44 days including bank holidays and closure days), we will support your long-term future too, with access to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS)*, subsidised health and fitness facilities and a range of discounts. All our benefits can be viewed here

To apply, please complete an online application and attach your CV and a cover letter (no more than 500 words) detailing how your skills and experience match the skills required for the role.  

Please note that interviews for this role will take place on Friday 18th July 2025. Interviews will consist of a formal interview and an opportunity to engage with key stakeholders.

If you would like to discuss this role in more detail, please contact:

Roberta Head, Director of Client Services on R.I.Head@soton.ac.uk

Advert information