Interim Head Of Employee Relations & Industrial Relations

The Southbank Centre is a world-renowned arts centre located in the heart of London’s vibrant cultural quarter on the Thames. We manage several notable venues such as the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room, and Hayward Gallery and host a wide variety of events each year,  including festivals, art exhibitions, music concerts, readings, dances, debates, and comedy shows. Our mission is to champion greatness in art and take the lead in provoking and inspiring culture.

The Interim Head ofEmployee Relations & Industrial Relations is a pivotal role within our People & Culture Team. Reporting directly to the Director of People & Culture, you will work closely with both the Head of People and the Head of Culture. The primary responsibility of this role is to ensure a positive culture of Employee Relations at the Southbank Centre by overseeing all Employee Relations issues and leading on our policy framework.

In terms of Industrial Relations, as our Head of ER & IR you will play a leading role in the Southbank Centre’s relationship with recognised Trade Unions. This includes advising and participating in all union negotiations related to the terms and conditions of employment of union-represented staff posts within the organisation. You will support, guide, and advise senior managers and heads of department on all relationships and communications with recognised trade unions, thereby ensuring a positive Employee Relations culture. You will be the first point of contact within the People Team for union officials and staff union representatives and will seek to build strong working relationships with all officials, representatives, and managers at all levels.

As a senior member of the People Team, you will also be expected to mentor colleagues in the People Team, fostering a flexible and positive approach that enables excellent service delivery. A key part of this role involves working with our Heads of Department in union-recognised departments to help them meet their organisational objectives.

If you would like to learn more about this opportunity, please get in touch ASAP.