Head of Employee Relations - 12 month FTC

We have an exciting 12 month FTC opportunity, for an experienced Head of Employee Relations to join our dedicated team of Employee Relations (ER) experts. You'll be responsible for leading and directing the delivery of the ER function across AXA UK, with continuous development and implementation of the ER strategic plan and transformation.

You’ll ensure the ER function meets the needs of the business, driving an inclusive culture where our employees can thrive and be their best. Your expert guidance on complex ER issues will be put to good measure to ensure minimal risk to the business. You’ll ensure that consultation with AXA’s employee representatives is meaningful, provide advice and guidance on complex ER issues encompassing a risk assessed approach. This standalone role also has complete ownership of all people policies and processes from design, implementation, simplification, and continual review.

At AXA we work smart, empowering our people to balance their time between home and the office in a way that works best for them, their team and our customers. You'll work at least 40% of your week away from home, either at one of our office locations, visiting clients or attending industry events. We’re also happy to consider flexible working arrangements, which you can discuss with Talent Acquisition.

What you’ll be doing:

• Devise, implement and continually review UK ER Strategy, in line with UK People Team strategic ambitions.
• Drive strategic direction of workplace accessibility for AXA UK, own operational aspects of an accessible and inclusive working environment for employees.
• Key member of the People Operations leadership team, manage, develop and continuously improve the ER function.
• Point of escalation for ER case management and wider People Team, ER mentor to the teams (transformation, organisation design etc).
• Maintain employee relations framework and partnership ethos with employee and management representatives across the UK.
• Manage and continue to build on internal collaboration and consultation strategies with AXA Group (European Works Council).
• Continue to build on strong trade union relationships / internal employee representative groups.
• Drive One AXA approaches in policy development, compliance and industrial relations.
• Ensure the correct oversight is in place to manage/minimise employment tribunal claims/ settlement agreements/legal costs.
• Guarantee that AXA UK is fully compliant in terms of FCA Conduct rule breaches, own and manage the assessment process for conduct rule breaches.
• Review ER case management system alongside our Cognizant Workday Developer to ensure it's fit for purpose.

Due to the number of applications we expect to receive for this role, we reserve the right to close this advert earlier than the listed closing date to ensure we’re able to effectively manage interest. Therefore, if you’re interested in joining us at AXA, please don’t hesitate to apply. Your Profile

What we’re looking for:

Essential

• Senior ER expert (held either Senior ER/ Head of ER role) with in-depth technical knowledge and application of employment law.
• Experience of being accountable for leading industrial relations practice and relationship management.
• FCA regulatory experience in conduct rules breaches within financial services.
• Ability to quickly establish positive relationships and work effectively with colleagues across the business to ensure strategic priorities are aligned.
• Strong negotiating/influencing skills, ability to influence at senior management level.
• Systems implementation experience, preferably Workday or equivalent.
• Considerable experience of dealing with negotiations in an Employee Relations environment.
• Extensive experience of managing complex ER cases and managing senior stakeholders.
• Commercial exposure to management of reputationally sensitive issues.
• Track record of developing people and ER teams in particular upskilling on ER technical knowledge.

As a precondition of employment for this role, you must be eligible and authorised to work in the United Kingdom. About AXA

With a presence in over 60 countries, and 165,000 employees serving the needs of 107 million customers, AXA is big.

But never too big to care for every single person who works here. So when you join us, we promise to put our collective might behind you and your career.

You’ll work in an open and supportive environment where you’ll be developed, challenged and encouraged to move around to achieve even bigger and better things – nationally and internationally. You’ll learn directly from senior leaders, from the best in our business. And you’ll enjoy real responsibility, really early on.

Every large company today talks about supporting diversity and inclusion. But at AXA UK, these values form an integral part of everything we do. For us, it’s about bringing together the best talent, helping people to realise their full potential by being 100% themselves at work and delivering outstanding service to everyone – regardless of difference. About the Entity

AXA UK Support Functions power AXA’s three customer-facing business units, providing the infrastructure, support and expertise to ensure our customers can always count on us. Whether you’ve got heaps of experience and qualifications behind you, or you’re just starting out, we’ll give you the support and opportunities to help you grow and develop with confidence.What We Offer

At AXA UK, we’re appreciative of the people who work for us, and our rewards package is reviewed regularly to reflect that. You can expect to receive:

• Competitive annual salary
• Discretionary company & performance-based bonus
• Private Healthcare Cover
• Car allowance
• Contributory pension scheme (up to 12% employer contributions)
• Life Assurance (up to 10 x annual salary)
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Opportunity to buy up to 5 extra days leave or sell up to 5 days leave
• AXA employee discounts
• Gym benefits

To apply, click on the ‘apply for this job’ button, you’ll then need to log in or create a profile to submit your CV. We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer and don’t discriminate against employees or potential employees based on protected characteristics. If you have a long-term health condition or disability and require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, we’re proud to offer access to the AXA Accessibility Concierge. For our support, please send an email to tanzeela.mehjabeen@axa-insurance.co.uk.