Employee Relations Manager

Employee Relations Manager (Band 7)

Location: Croydon

• A full-time role with onsite working; or
• A full-time role with a hybrid arrangement of 3 days onsite and 2 days working from home.

Contract: Interim / Temporary
Rate: Competitive NHS Band 7 Rate

Lead Change. Influence Culture. Drive Employee Relations Excellence.

Are you an experienced Employee Relations professional looking for a role where you can genuinely influence organisational culture and outcomes? We're recruiting for an experienced Employee Relations Manager to lead a busy ER function within a large NHS organisation.

This is an exciting opportunity for a confident ER specialist who thrives on managing complex cases, developing managers, and driving best practice across a large unionised workforce. Based on-site three days per week, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping employee relations strategy while managing a high-performing team.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead and manage complex Employee Relations cases including disciplinary, grievance, bullying & harassment, capability and absence management matters.
• Provide expert guidance to managers and senior leaders on employment law, ER best practice and policy application.
• Manage and develop a team of Employee Relations Advisors, ensuring caseloads are effectively prioritised and delivered.
• Oversee highly complex investigations, hearings and appeals, ensuring compliance with employment legislation and organisational policies.
• Partner with Trade Unions, HR Business Partners and senior stakeholders to resolve workforce issues effectively.
• Review, develop and implement HR policies and procedures in line with best practice and legislative requirements.
• Deliver management training and coaching on Employee Relations topics.
• Analyse ER trends and KPIs to identify opportunities for service improvement and proactive intervention.
• Support organisational initiatives focused on restorative approaches, informal conflict resolution and employee wellbeing.
• Deputise for the Head of Employee Relations when required.

Essential Requirements

Degree educated

CIPD Qualified and Registered

Extensive Employee Relations experience within the NHS or a large, complex unionised organisation

Proven experience managing highly complex ER investigations and casework

Strong knowledge of Employment Law and its practical application

Experience managing and developing teams

Experience creating and implementing HR policies

Ability to influence and challenge senior stakeholders professionally

Excellent communication, report writing and presentation skills

Strong IT skills including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Experience analysing workforce data and producing management reports

Desirable

Postgraduate Certificate in Employment Law

NHS Employee Relations experience

Experience delivering HR and ER training programmes

Knowledge of ESR and HR systems

Project management experience

What We're Looking For

• Strategic thinker with excellent problem-solving skills
• Resilient and confident operating in challenging environments
• Strong relationship builder who can influence at all levels
• Passionate about improving employee experience and organisational culture
• Able to manage competing priorities and work to tight deadlines

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to join a progressive NHS organisation committed to delivering excellent people services. You'll gain exposure to high-level stakeholder engagement, complex employment matters and service improvement projects while making a meaningful impact on employee experience and organisational performance.