Employee Relations and Policy Manager

Howdens are looking for an Employee Relations and Policy Manager based at our office in Croxley Park, Watford, Hertfordshire.  Reporting to the Director of HR Services, this role will direct the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of our Employee Relations function which provides support and advice to over 850 depots. This pivotal role involves leading and mentoring the ER Team, providing a high-quality advisory service, and developing clear policies that align with business objectives and employment law.

What you’ll be doing as an Employee Relations and Policy Manager:

• Contributing to the design and planning of all employee relation programmes, company policies and procedures in line with employment law and business requirements. Supporting senior HR colleagues with appropriate communication and implementation.
• Leading and developing the ER Advisory team to provide a consistent and high-quality service. Supporting the ER team in case management and the allocation and prioritisation of workload. Producing accurate case and call management statistics, to proactively review the service being provided to the business.
• Taking ownership for the implementation of any new employee relation initiatives.
• Working closely with managers to develop an understanding of the business and to establish and maintain a professional working relationship with managers and colleagues at all levels.
• Developing and managing our company policies, ensuring the content is easily understood, up-to-date and practical for our managers and staff.
• Acting as an escalation point for complex cases. Where necessary support the HR Business Partners in the review of complex cases.
• Assisting the HR Business Partners to collaborate with Company solicitors and managers to prepare employment tribunal reports and documentation.
• Conducting case management quality checks and providing feedback.
• Travelling to other key sites when needed.

What we are looking for:

• Strong leadership, commercial acumen and a pragmatic and business focused approach.
• Educated to degree level, full CIPD qualification (Level 7) or equivalent.
• Extensive and in-depth knowledge and experience in Employee Relations.
• Strong people management skills, gained through managing and developing teams.
• Experience of planning and delivering employee relations initiatives.
• Strong project management skills.
• Operates at both a strategic and operational level.
• Pragmatic with the ability to assess potential problems and make sound judgements around issues that may have an adverse effect on the business from an ER perspective.
• Sensitive people skills: a high level of emotional intelligence; excellent interpersonal skills and a wide understanding of people issues.
• Works well under pressure and can manage a busy workload.
• Credible, with excellent communication skills.

What we can offer you:

• Competitive salary and annual company bonus up to 25%
• Company car or car allowance
• Private Healthcare
• Competitive Pension Plan with a maximum company contribution of 12%
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays with the option to buy additional days
• Free onsite car parking
• Staff Discount
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional Reward and Recognition events

About Us:

Howdens Joinery is the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier providing thousands of products across kitchens, joinery, and hardware. We have over 800 depots throughout the UK and Europe – making us the first choice for more than 460,000 loyal trade professionals. With an ambitious and credible growth plan, we continue to build on our £2.3 billion sales achieved in 2022.

There is a strong entrepreneurial ethos and the opportunity to develop within a fast-paced and commercial environment.  That, along with a competitive salary, development opportunities, and exciting rewards, are among the reasons why our people enjoy working for Howdens – and why we have been named one of the 10 Best Big Companies to Work For.

How to apply:

We are building a future where world-class service, innovation, and sustainability are embedded within our DNA.  If Howdens sounds like the kind of place where you can build and develop your career as part of the HR team, then we are keen to hear from you.

You will need to activate your account when you apply for this role.  Please check your email carefully to ensure that you have completed this step.  We are unable to view your application if you have not activated your account.

Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We’re working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email recruitmentteam@howdens.com with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.

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