House of Commons The House of Commons is a unique and exciting place to work right at the heart of the UK's thriving democratic system. Behind the scenes, the House of Commons Service is made up of more than 3,000 employees who support and facilitate the smooth day to day running of the House. They provide professional services to Members of Parliament, their staff, and the wider parliamentary community. Staff Benefits In addition to your salary, we offer an attractive range of benefits including: 30 days' annual leave (increasing to 35 days after first full leave year). Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%. Access to training and development. Flexible working. Interest free season ticket loan and bicycle loan. Introduction The People and Culture Team works collaboratively with colleagues across the House Service and PDS to steer and track our progress and to support the employee journey across the organisations. The Reward and Employee Engagement team leads our approach to pay, reward and engagement with our Trade Union colleagues. Key responsibilities include: Leading on negotiations with unions on pay and reward; Development of reward, pay and employee relations strategy and policy to support corporate objectives; Managing pay and benefits; Policy review and development. The Role The purpose of the role is to lead our strategic approach to engagement with our Trade Union colleagues. Reporting to the Director of Employee Engagement, the Head of Employee Relations will lead and develop our strategic approach to engagement with our Trade Union colleagues and modernise and further improve the employee relations environment. The post holder will be a subject matter expert and have an in-depth knowledge and expertise in industrial relations and engaging with trade unions, including advising on the application of national and local agreements, collective bargaining and local dispute resolution. The role holder will coach and advise relevant HR groups on approaches and mechanisms to Trade Union engagement, upskilling them on all relevant legislative, policy and process issues to support a positive employment relations environment. They will also be the point of escalation for advice and decision making on complex cases such as grievance/disciplinary/performance/capability and appropriate resolution of disputes. Some of the responsibilities for this role include: Provide strong corporate leadership across the employee relations agenda. Act as the source of ER expertise within the House, supporting and advising the HR team and being recognised as a subject matter expert for Employment Relations, Employment Law and the Trade Union Relationship/recognition agreement and related activity. Leading on the review and updating of our existing recognition and collective agreements with our recognised unions and contribute facilitate consultation with our Trade Unions on the development and delivery of key workstreams as part of a programme of pay reform. Skills and Experience To be successful in this role you will demonstrate: Deep and broad up-to-date knowledge and understanding of engaging with trade unions with significant senior level experience designing, delivering and evaluating effective change within a similar multi trade union environment. Experience of managing the trade unions/employer relationship with multiple trade unions in a complex work environment, leading formal ER related activity to include collective bargaining, national bargaining, dispute resolution and change consultations. Significant experience of working in high-profile senior level roles. Demonstrable political awareness, diplomacy and discretion, able to work closely with senior stakeholders such Members of Parliament and Board Members, reconciling different views in sensitive areas. Ability to work successfully within a team, whilst upholding the values of equality, diversity and inclusion. Proven ability to influence and inspire at all levels and across diverse stakeholder groups, including Board level. Demonstrable persuasion and influencing skills to foster and maintain key relationships and networks at all levels, creating and promoting an inclusive working environment which encourages mutual respect. High level of analytical, communication and interpersonal skills. Proven ability to communicate ideas and information in a user friendly and effective manner, both orally and in writing, varying the communication style to fit the audience and engaging and inspiring people at all levels. Next Steps and Additional Information CV & Supporting Statement - If you would like to apply for this role, please submit your CV and covering letter with a 500 word limit. More information on the role and the full criteria can be found in the Job Description. Please note that most job offers will be made at the minimum of the salary range, other than in exceptional circumstances.