Employee Relations & HR Compliance Director

Employee Relations & HR Compliance Director

Apply: locations London time type Full time posted on Posted Yesterday job requisition id R

Job Description:

Dentsu is at the cutting edge of the industry, producing new ways of working and generating growth through the power of technology and creativity. For over 120 years, innovation has been a core tenet of dentsu's offering - exploring new ways to reach, engage and nurture relationships with audiences. Innovation is a key priority for brands, but few have the tools and systems in place to make it happen. They need a partner like dentsu.

Through innovation, we ensure the impact our clients need to drive growth in their business, while also generating a positive effect on the industry, society, and the world. Innovation at dentsu is always in pursuit of an outcome, meaning we are always focused on the end impact that we'll have for a client and their communities. For some businesses this might be hard return on marketing investment or increasing revenues, but for others it may be driving behavioural change, building positive culture or connecting disparate communities.

Purpose of the Role

The Employee Relations and HR Compliance Director will collaborate with senior business leaders, senior HR Business Partners and the dentsu Legal & Compliance team to set the ER strategy and provide expertise, advice and guidance to senior HR Business Partners and senior business leaders (where required), review and revise our HR policies, ensure consistent application of such policies, facilitate compliance with employment laws, and oversee the successful investigation and resolution of complex or sensitive employee relations issues in dentsu's businesses and operations located in the UK (approximately 4,000 employees). This population includes employees within dentsu's Global and Regional management structures as well as its UK market business ("UK Located Population").

The time split will be approximately 70% supporting the UK Located Population and 30% supporting EMEA regional and market best practice by leading a "Centre of Excellence". Additionally, this role will utilize data and analytics to identify employee relations trends, diagnose challenges, and collaborate cross-functionally to implement proactive business solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide guidance to senior HRBPs and managers to ensure fair and consistent application of policies.
• Partner with senior HRBPs and the Legal & Compliance team on investigations and resolution of employee relations issues, grievances, and complaints.
• Analyze employee relations issues and trends to identify root causes and recommend interventions.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations, collaborating with legal teams and external counsel.
• Lead the design and delivery of employee relations training and processes.
• Advise on complex employee relations matters such as performance management, terminations, restructurings, and workplace issues.
• Use metrics and data to identify trends and develop action plans to improve employee engagement and reduce risks.
• Update UK & HR Group policies to ensure legal compliance, in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Manage the Policy Sub Committee for reviewing and amending UK policies.
• Lead and develop a small ER team, ensuring continuous upskilling.
• Handle HR-related speak-ups across EMEA markets, ensuring alignment with policies and timely resolution.
• Establish best practices for managing contingent employees and ensure compliance with local legislation.

Qualifications + Skills

• Extensive experience in Employment Law (10+ years) and Employee Relations in the UK, managing complex issues and policies.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong policy drafting skills and knowledge of UK employment laws.
• Proven success in building collaborative relationships across organizational levels.
• Experience supporting multiple locations.
• Excellent project management, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive information professionally.
• Proficient in MS Office, especially Excel.
• Leadership experience in managing a small ER team.

Preferred

• Legal Practice Course (LPC) qualification and legal training experience (advantageous).
• Experience with M&A, TUPE, divestments, and outsourcing.
• Strong business orientation and commitment to a positive work environment.
• Knowledge of Irish employment law (desirable).

What we offer

• Permanent role with flexible working arrangements.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

Inclusion and Diversity

Our culture promotes bringing your whole self to work, fostering innovation and better outcomes. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and are committed to reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities.

About dentsu

We are a global company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, with 65,000 employees across four regions. Our focus is on innovation, sustainability, and building a fair society.

Location: London

Brand: Dentsu

Time Type: Full time

Contract Type: Permanent