RTW After Mat Leave - Change to Substantial Role

[NCAsCouldBeOuting]

Hoping there is traffic here with MNers to advise!

I am due back from maternity leave shortly and have found out that in my absence, my line manager has left (I haven't been in contact at all really over my mat leave). I lead a particular department, previously there was my line manager and then they reported directly to CEO.

My previous line manager was a 'specialist' in my field and to that extent could offer support in a specialised way. Their replacement isn't a specialist. So, to alleviate this, someone new has been appointed to line manage me with overall responsibility for my department, so even though I am still the department lead in title, they are now the ultimate head of my department if that makes sense? They then report to the person who has replaced my previous line manager, who reports to the CEO. So, in short, new layer of management slotted in above me!

My instinct is that I am not returning to the same substantial job role/terms and condition as I had previously. However, I could be wrong here - does anyone have any perspectives?

So the changes are above your role, not to the role itself? Assuming pay, grades etc are same and equitable with other team leads I doubt you have grounds for complaint.

How long have you taken off

Yes, changes above the role but it would be impossible for the role to exist without taking over some of my responsibilities if that makes sense? So e.g. I was previously a budget holder so would have final sign off on a budget decision but now I wouldn't.

@pinkcattydude

How long have you taken off

10 months so far, back in 2. I know there is a difference between six months and twelve months in terms of what employers are allowed to do in terms of preserving the role, although it looks like this person was appointed when I first left for maternity leave so this would have happened regardless.

Are your pay and conditions being changed at all?

@Overthebow Pay no, conditions yes to the extent that I am losing some of my responsibilities e.g. the example I gave above about loss of budget control. I also won't be direct line management for my team anymore (team of 12) so won't be carrying out their performance reviews etc. which I had done prior to maternity leave.

You need to do a before and after job spec for both your role and the functions with associated lines of authority/responsibility.

CEO
Former LM
You

CEO
LM' manager
LM
You

It may be that the company has "restructured" due to the the LM leaving creating a knowledge gap and the inability to recruit a equally qualified person.