Employee Relations Manager

Overview

As Employee Relations Manager, you will lead complex ER cases in a large matrixed organisation and guide HR partners, legal, and management. You’ll manage your own investigation caseload, drive cross-functional ER projects, and uplift best practices across UK and EMEA. You will influence policy design, support change initiatives, and build capability through coaching managers and HR colleagues. This role offers meaningful impact through transforming ER processes and ensuring regulatory compliance in a global real estate business.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert ER guidance to HR and business clients on casework and employment practices
• Manage investigations and high-risk ER cases with risk mitigation and quality reporting
• Support employment law issues and input on Tribunal litigation
• Guide organisational change initiatives (transfers, restructures, consultations) and broader ER project work
• Collaborate with HR, Compliance, Legal and business clients across regions to implement talent initiatives and wellbeing programs
• Track ER MI, identify trends, and propose improvements
• Design and deliver ER policies, procedures, and best practice materials
• Educate managers and HR on ER processes and legislation
• Participate in process improvements and development of new ER processes

Key requirements

• Degree or qualification in HR, employment law, industrial/labour relations, or related field
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law; knowledge of other EMEA jurisdictions beneficial
• Proven experience managing complex ER cases including investigations, ill-health, dismissals, appeals, and report writing
• Training in investigations and mediation; some experience with unions and works councils
• Excellent written and verbal communication; attention to detail
• Ability to handle difficult conversations, navigate conflicts, and remain neutral
• Good judgment and ability to justify recommendations to stakeholders
• Ability to work with remote colleagues and in a fast-paced matrixed environment
• Preferred: proficiency with AI tools for ER projects and case management

• Strong communication
• Problem-solving
• Neutrality in conflict
• ER case management
• Investigations and report writing
• Knowledge of UK employment law

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