Head of Colleague Relations

Brodies LLP is a prominent UK law firm headquartered in Scotland, that provides expert advice to UK and international clients. We have the capability and expertise to deliver mandates with global reach, uniting specialist perspectives from across our firm to offer bespoke legal solutions and advice, resulting in impactful outcomes for our clients. With offices in London, Leeds, and throughout Scotland, we are dedicated to driving innovation in the legal sector, leveraging new technologies and forward-thinking strategies to deliver exceptional value and efficiency for our clients.  

Our contract with our people underlines our commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, prioritising the wellbeing and development of our colleagues to ensure they thrive both personally and professionally. 

We are also deeply committed to making a positive impact in the communities in which we live and work. Through our pro bono work, charitable activities, and initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion, we strive to contribute meaningfully to society. 

This is a newly created role within the People and Engagement Team which is a great opportunity to shape the direction of that role takes with the support of the People and Engagement Director. The Head of Colleague relations will lead complex and high risk ER cases, advise senior leaders, and shape policies and frameworks that support a fair, consistent and compliant people experience across the firm. You will act as an internal expert to provide guidance to the People Engagement Business Partners and Partners to oversee ER governance and reporting, and use data insights to influence culture and risk management. 

The successful candidate will be required to work both strategically and tactically to establish this new role in the firm and be involved in a lot of the set-up activities, as a result a proactive and hands on approach is required. In addition, we are seeking the following experience: 

Essential 

• Significant Employee Relations experience with a strong track record in managing complex and high risk cases. 

• In-depth knowledge of UK employment law and best practice. 

• Experience advising HR/People Business Partners and senior leaders. 

• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication, including drafting formal correspondence and reports. 

• Experience developing and maintaining ER policies and processes. 

• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. 

• High resilience and self-awareness when managing challenging cases. 

Desirable 

• Experience in a professional services or regulated environment. 

• Experience working with Trade Unions. 

• Exposure to HR analytics or ER case management data. 

• Experience supporting cultural or organisational change initiatives. 

Qualifications 

• CIPD qualification (required). 

• Business degree (preferred). 

• Additional ER related qualifications (preferred).