Overview

You will set the strategic direction for Serco's employee and industrial relations agenda, ensure our people policies are modern and pragmatic, and lead a team that designs and delivers solutions for change, growth and wellbeing. With responsibility for approximately 40 professionals, senior trade union relationships and a £1.2m supplier budget, this position requires a leader who can combine deep expertise with the ability to shape culture and guide transformation in a complex, fast-moving business. Reporting to the Chief People and Culture Officer, this is a pivotal leadership role with scope to influence at the highest levels.

Responsibilities

• Shape and deliver Serco's employee and industrial relations strategy, embedding a culture of respect, performance and engagement.
• Provide trusted advice to senior leaders on complex and sensitive people matters, including risk management and organisational change.
• Oversee a modern people policy framework aligned to legislation, values and market practice.
• Lead and develop a team of c.40 ER and People Solutions professionals, ensuring capability, resilience and succession.
• Build and sustain constructive trade union relationships, enabling proactive engagement and conflict resolution.
• Manage key supplier partnerships across occupational health, absence and wellbeing, with accountability for a £1.2m budget.
• Ensure people solutions are embedded in major bids, transitions and transformations, enabling growth and delivery.
• Use data and workforce insights to identify trends, mitigate risks and inform strategic decision-making.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in senior ER leadership roles within complex, matrixed or unionised environments, ideally from the outsourcing sector or similar listed businesses.
• Strong knowledge of employment law and industrial relations frameworks, with experience influencing at executive level.
• Experience of working with internal and external legal partners.
• Ideally, has some exposure to TUPE and/or acquisitions and disposals.
• The ability to maintain strategic focus yet balance with an approach to execution.
• Experience managing budgets, external partners and complex stakeholder landscapes.
• Chartered CIPD (or equivalent), with strong analytical, communication and influencing skills.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Up to 30% performance-related bonus
• Company car or car allowance
• 10% employer pension contribution
• Private medical insurance
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays, with the option to buy more
• Flexible working arrangements