Location
Mulberry Place, 5 Clove Crescent, London (Hybrid working)

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Grade O £73,266 - £78,090 per annum

About the Role
Fixed Term Contract - 24 months

Tower Hamlets is on an exciting journey to create a high-performing, inclusive and modern organisation. We are seeking an experienced Employee Relations Transformation Lead to drive the transformation of our employee relations service. This role will shift the organisation from a reactive case-management culture to a proactive, manager-led approach focused on capability, accountability and organisational performance.

This is a high-profile leadership position with significant influence across the Council. You will lead the delivery of employee relations services, build a consistent and high-quality approach to policy and practice, manage complex and high-risk employee relations matters, and act as the Council’s senior HR representative in employment tribunals and legal proceedings.

Key responsibilities include reducing case backlogs, improving service performance, developing management capability and confidence in handling people issues, using data and workforce insight to drive improvements and mitigate organisational risk, and working closely with Trade Unions, Legal Services and senior leaders on complex workforce challenges.

This is a unique opportunity to lead one of the most significant people transformation programmes in local government, influence culture and management practice at scale, and build a modern employee relations service fit for the future. You will be part of an ambitious HR & OD leadership team driving lasting change and helping shape a culture where people, performance and fairness go hand in hand.

Our Benefits
Competitive salary
Local Government Pension Scheme membership
Generous annual leave: 29 days, rising to 33 days with 5+ years’ service, plus bank holidays and 3 additional days at Christmas
Flexible and agile working to support work–life balance
Staff money-saving schemes (e.g., rent deposit loans, season ticket loans)
Learning and development opportunities through our Learning Academy, with clear career development and leadership pathways

Experience
Extensive knowledge of employment law and employee relations practice
Significant experience managing complex and high-risk employee relations matters
Proven experience leading professional employee relations teams
Strong stakeholder and trade union engagement skills
Experience of employment tribunals and legal case management

About you
A passionate leader committed to improving management practice and organisational culture
Ability to create change while maintaining credibility and trust
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with senior leaders, trade unions and legal teams
Proactive, strategic thinker with a focus on capability, accountability and organisational performance

Qualifications
Relevant professional qualifications in HR or employee relations are desirable but not mandatory. Demonstrable experience and a strong track record in employee relations leadership are essential.