Senior/Employee Relations Manager

Overview

In this role, you will lead complex employee relations within a respected law firm, guiding resolution of sensitive matters and advising senior stakeholders. You will work closely with HR partners and advisors to minimise risk and promote fair outcomes, while supporting a positive employee experience. You’ll influence change management, investigations, and regulatory compliance in a collaborative People Directorate. The opportunity offers scope to shape people practices in a regulated environment and contribute to organisational excellence. You will leverage your ER expertise to build trust, integrity, and high performance across the firm.

Pay / Benefits

• comprehensive benefits package
• competitive remuneration
• great working environment
• flexible range of benefits

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage resolution of complex ER issues (discrimination, performance, capability, grievances, disciplinaries, flexible working, illness, workplace concerns)
• Influence outcomes through strategic negotiation and collaboration with focus on legal compliance and risk minimisation
• Provide expert guidance on dispute resolution, conciliation, and tribunal preparation when needed
• Conduct impartial ER investigations and coach managers and Partners on best practices
• Support organisational change initiatives (restructures, redundancies, TUPE, terms and conditions changes)
• Advise HR Business Partners on performance improvement plans with measurable objectives
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of UK employment law and communicate regulatory changes
• Collaborate with Risk & Ethics to ensure SRA rule application and regulatory obligations
• Monitor ER activity, analyse data for strategic decision-making and continuous improvement
• Review and interpret HR policies to ensure SRA and UK employment law compliance
• Champion psychological safety and a culture of openness and accountability
• Work cross-functionally to ensure high-quality service delivery and stakeholder communication
• Coach and develop direct reports and HR Advisors
• Contribute to ER-related projects with SME perspective
• Ensure secure maintenance of employee records per Data Protection Act and governance standards

Key requirements

• Extensive, current knowledge of UK employment legislation and practical application in a commercial environment
• Experience at Manager level within HR or Employee Relations
• Experience in professional or financial services, preferably regulated
• Desirable: exposure to international HR practices and global employment law
• Strong listening, issue identification, and pragmatic, solution-focused advisory skills
• Approachable and responsive with ability to manage high volumes of enquiries
• Highly organised with ability to manage multiple complex cases
• Skilled in conflict resolution, investigations, and influencing stakeholders
• Ability to assess and communicate employment-related risk clearly
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and HR analytics tools; comfortable with emerging technologies including AI platforms
• Flexible and adaptable; willingness to travel occasionally
• Demonstrates integrity, judgement, confidentiality, and ethical standards
• Builds trust and communicates effectively with Partners, line managers, and employees

• Active listening
• Approachability
• Organisational skills
• Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• HR analytics tools
• emerging technologies including AI platforms

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