Employee Relations Manager

Overview

As an Employee Relations Manager, you will own complex ER cases end-to-end and provide expert guidance to managers and senior stakeholders. You will operate primarily in ER, advising on sensitive matters and mitigating legal and reputational risks. The role involves leading investigations and supporting hearings, while coaching managers and sharing best practices with junior HR colleagues. You will analyse ER trends to drive improvements and align people practices with business goals. Hybrid, Birmingham-based with occasional travel to London, offering a meaningful chance to shape employee relations across the organisation.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex ER cases end-to-end (disciplinary, grievance, performance, capability, long-term absence, appeals, restructuring)
• Advise senior stakeholders on sensitive employee matters, interpreting legislation and policies to mitigate risks
• Lead investigations, hearings and appeals with robust documentation and recommendations
• Coach and challenge managers to handle difficult employee situations effectively
• Provide technical guidance to junior HR colleagues and share best practice and employment law knowledge
• Analyse ER trends and recommend improvements to people management practices and processes

Key requirements

• Extensive experience managing complex employee relations cases independently
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
• Confident advising and constructively challenging senior stakeholders
• Excellent judgement to manage sensitive situations and propose practical, proportionate solutions
• Proactive, resilient and credible ER professional who can own challenging cases

• coaching and development
• excellent interpersonal communication
• discretion and professional judgment
• UK employment law knowledge
• employment policies interpretation
• investigations and evidence gathering

…