Employee Relations Transformation Lead

About The Role

Fixed Term Contract- 24 months

Transform employee relations and build a modern, proactive approach to people management

Tower Hamlets is on an exciting journey to create a high-performing, inclusive and modern organisation.

We are looking for an experienced Employee Relations Transformation Lead to lead the transformation of our employee relations service, moving 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 role with significant influence across the Council.

What you'll do

• Lead the transformation and delivery of employee relations services across the organisation.
• Build a consistent, high-quality approach to employee relations, policy and practice.
• Manage complex and high-risk employee relations matters.
• Act as the Council's senior HR representative for employment tribunals and legal proceedings.
• Reduce case backlogs and improve service performance.
• Develop management capability and confidence in handling people issues.
• Use data and workforce insight to drive improvement and mitigate organisational risk.
• Work closely with Trade Unions, Legal Services and senior leaders on complex workforce challenges.

What we're looking for

You will be an experienced employee relations leader with a strong track record of managing complex casework, leading teams and delivering transformation.

You will bring:

• Extensive knowledge of employment law and employee relations practice.
• Significant experience managing complex and high-risk ER matters.
• Experience leading professional employee relations teams.
• Strong stakeholder and trade union engagement skills.
• Experience of employment tribunals and legal case management.
• A passion for improving management practice and organisational culture.
• The ability to create change while maintaining credibility and trust.

Why join us?

• Lead one of the most significant people transformation programmes in local government.
• Influence culture and management practice at scale.
• Build a modern employee relations service fit for the future.
• Be part of an ambitious HR & OD leadership team driving lasting change.

Help shape a culture where people, performance and fairness go hand in hand. Our Benefits

• Competitive salary- £73,266- £78,090
• Local Government Pension Scheme membership.
• Generous annual leave: 29 days, rising to 33 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.