Job Opportunities API

Head of Department - Employment Law, Sheffield Andy File Associates Limited is working as a Recruitment Agency on behalf of our client with regards to this permanent position. Job Title: Head of Employment Law Location: Sheffield Reports to: Head of Legal Practice Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday (office-based) Salary: Attractive Salary The Role Our client is seeking an experienced and commercially minded Head of Employment Law to provide strategic and operational leadership across its Employment Law Department. This is a senior leadership role responsible for ensuring the delivery of a high-quality, efficient and risk-aware service to members, key stakeholders. Working closely with the senior management team, you will play a key role in shaping service delivery, driving continuous improvement, enhancing systems and workflows, and developing the capability and performance of the department. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Operational Management • Operate as a senior leader within the management team, contributing to organisational strategy, service development and future planning. • Ensure appropriate systems, controls and governance arrangements are in place to deliver consistent, high-quality services. • Lead the continuous review and improvement of processes, workflows, controls and risk management frameworks. • Ensure compliance with audit requirements, regulatory standards, KPIs, service levels and quality standards. • Act as a senior point of reference on employment law practice, decision-making and service standards. • Support complex caseloads where required. People Leadership & Performance Management • Provide day-to-day leadership and oversight of the Employment Department. • Manage workloads, caseload allocation, resourcing, capacity planning, holidays, sickness and absence. • Embed and maintain a robust performance management framework, including objectives, quality reviews, supervision and regular one-to-ones. • Coach, mentor and develop fee earners, building leadership capability, accountability and resilience. • Support career development pathways, including trainees and colleagues seeking progression. • Design and implement training and development initiatives covering legal, leadership and soft skills. Client Service & Stakeholder Management • Maintain and strengthen relationships, regional representatives and external partners. • Ensure consistently high standards of communication with members, colleagues and stakeholders. • Handle complaints, risk issues and negligence allegations effectively, ensuring lessons learned are embedded. • Deliver training sessions, briefings and updates and workplace representatives. • Promote a culture of excellent service delivery and continuous improvement. Systems, Innovation & Continuous Improvement • Lead and support the development of the case management system and workflow efficiencies. • Identify opportunities to improve service delivery, productivity, quality and client experience. • Support innovation and change initiatives aligned with organisational objectives. • Drive process transformation and operational improvements across the department. About You You will possess: • Strong leadership and people management skills. • A strategic mindset combined with a hands-on operational approach. • Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills. • High levels of professionalism, integrity and resilience. • Strong coaching, mentoring and development capabilities. • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. • A pragmatic and solutions-focused approach. • A commitment to continuous improvement and delivering exceptional service. Experience Required • Proven experience leading large and multidisciplinary teams. • Significant experience and working knowledge of employment law and practice, including advisory and case management work. • Demonstrable experience of performance management, quality assurance and service delivery. • Experience working strategically and operationally. • Strong stakeholder management experience within a legal or trade union environment. • Experience leading systems, process improvement or transformation programmes. • Experience collecting and analysing evidence, researching the law, determining prospects and progressing matters efficiently. • Experience developing people and building high-performing teams. Qualifications and Technical Skills • Qualified Solicitor (or equivalent). • Strong technical knowledge of employment law and practice. • Excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills. • Strong organisational and leadership capabilities. • Ability to manage competing priorities and perform effectively under pressure. • Commitment to continuous learning and service excellence. Benefits • 35-hour working week, Monday to Friday (office based) • 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays, increasing by one day per year of service up to a maximum of 31 days • Death in service benefit (4 x salary) • Enhanced maternity and shared parental leave • Free parking • 4% employer pension contribution • Simply Health scheme with employer and employee contributions • Anytime GP service • Employee Assistance Programme • Probate and Estate Planning support • Costco membership card • Company sick pay (8 weeks full pay and 8 weeks half pay following successful completion of probation)