Head of Employee Relations

Job Description

Find where you belong!

Are you a seasoned ER expert who thrives on balancing legal precision with human-centric leadership? We're looking for a Head of Employee Relations to act as a trusted advisor, strategic architect, and culture champion. You'll lead the charge in ensuring our workplace remains fair, compliant, consistent, and forward-thinking.

What's it all about?

This isn't just about managing cases; it's about shaping the heartbeat of our organisation. As the Head of ER, you will own the overarching employee relations strategy, ensuring our policies don't just "comply" but actually reflect the world we live in today.

In this role, you will:

• Advise at the Top: Serve as a critical partner to the Operating Board and Senior Leadership, providing expert counsel on high-stakes people matters.
• Drive the Strategy: Design and implement ER frameworks that align with our core values while protecting the business and its people.
• Lead with Insight: Use data and metrics to spot trends, mitigate risks, and proactively improve the employee experience.
• Modernise the Function: Move beyond the traditional by evolving our ER offering through technology, continuous improvement, and a proactive policy plan that stays ahead of legislative shifts.
• Manage Complexity: Oversee litigation and dispute resolution, manage senior-level disciplinary cases, and ensure whistleblowing claims are handled with the urgency and integrity they deserve.

Why Travelodge?

We believe in creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can be their true self and belong. We work hard to improve the diversity of our teams and celebrate our differences. And we care about our colleagues' wellbeing, so we ensure there are plenty of resources available so everyone can look after their emotional, physical, financial and work wellbeing. We call this "Better Me".

Who will this appeal to?

This role is designed for a seasoned ER professional who possesses the gravitas to influence at the Operating Board level and the empathy to lead a specialist ER team. You are a "legal eagle" with a human touch - someone who understands the intricacies of employment law, but prioritises fairness and culture over just following a handbook. Whether you are navigating high-stakes escalations with a cool head or facilitating workshops to raise the organisation's collective "ER IQ," you act as a trusted advisor who balances technical expertise with emotional intelligence.

Beyond leading case management, you are a forward-thinking strategist who uses data and insights to protect the business and its people. You aren't content with simply resolving disputes; you want to understand the "why" behind them to prevent future risks. With a commitment to absolute integrity and objectivity, you will thrive by evolving our ER offering through technology and modern policy, ensuring that our workplace remains harmonious, compliant, and consistently fair for everyone.

What are the extra benefits of working for Travelodge?

• Up to £85,000 & Annualise Bonus
• Contributory pension scheme
• Car Allowance
• Hybrid working - a minimum of 60% of your time should be spent in the office and or visiting suppliers
• 50% personal discount for hotel bookings and great friends and family discounts too!
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays, increasing with length of service
• A focus on learning and career development