Head of Employee Relations & Engagement

Head of Employee Relations & Engagement

Meath | Permanent

Sanderson has been retained by Talbot Group to appoint a Head of Employee Relations & Engagement. Reporting to the Director of People Operations & Engagement this role will lead employee relations, engagement and retention activity across the Group, supporting a positive employee experience and consistent people practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead complex employee relations matters, ensuring fair procedures, timely case management and appropriate escalation.
• Advise and coach managers on policy implementation, performance management, grievances, disciplinary matters and constructive resolution.
• Own the attendance management approach, including consistent triggers, return-to-work practices, manager support and targeted interventions.
• Deliver Group-wide engagement and employee listening initiatives, including surveys, pulse checks, feedback mechanisms and local action plans.
• Lead retention initiatives informed by turnover, absence, exit and engagement data, prioritising key workforce pressure points.
• Coordinate people communications, wellbeing, recognition and culture initiatives in partnership with operational managers.
• Maintain employee relations case governance, management reporting and risk controls, highlighting trends and themes requiring organisational action.

Skills & Experience

• Significant experience leading employee relations and employee engagement initiatives.
• Strong track record supporting leaders and managers across complex people environments.
• Experience developing engagement strategies that deliver measurable outcomes.
• Strong case management expertise and sound employment law knowledge.
• Ability to balance employee advocacy with commercial and organisational objectives.
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong communication, influencing and coaching capability.
• Relevant HR qualification.
• Hybrid working available but greater on-site presence is required during onboarding and the initial period in role.