Employee Relations Manager

Job: Employee Relations Manager

Location: London (preferred) or Sittingbourne / Hybrid (2 days in the office, 3 days from home)

Employment type: Fixed Term Contract (12-month FTC), Full-time (Perm Potential)

Salary: Circa £45,000 + excellent benefits

Are you an experienced Employee Relations professional with the confidence to manage complex casework at pace? Can you influence, coach and support managers to deliver fair, consistent and legally sound outcomes? Do you bring both technical expertise and a collaborative approach to building trusted relationships across an organisation? If so, we'd like to hear from you.

About the organisation

Our Client is a large, values-led organisation committed to delivering high-quality services and making a positive impact in the communities they serve. Collaboration, integrity and accountability underpin everything, and they are focused on creating an inclusive and supportive working environment for our colleagues.

The role

Reporting to the Lead Employee Relations Manager, you will play a key role in delivering a high-quality, consistent and legally compliant Employee Relations service across the organisation.

Working within a shared services model, you will manage a varied and often complex caseload, providing expert advice, coaching and guidance to managers and colleagues. You will work closely with the wider People team to ensure a joined up and effective approach to people matters.

You will also support the development of management capability, contribute to continuous improvement through data and insight, and help build strong, trusted relationships with key stakeholders.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing complex Employee Relations casework, including sickness absence, conduct, capability and grievance matters
• Coaching and supporting managers to build confidence and capability in handling ER issues
• Ensuring all advice and outcomes are legally compliant, consistent and aligned with best practice
• Supporting and overseeing the work of an ER Advisor
• Building effective relationships with internal stakeholders
• Contributing to management information reporting, identifying trends and providing insight to inform decision-making
• Supporting the preparation of Employment Tribunal documentation, including ET3 responses
• Maintaining and contributing to the development of People policies and procedures
• Supporting organisational projects and change initiatives as required
• Deputising for the Lead Employee Relations Manager where necessary

What we're looking for

You will bring significant experience of managing complex Employee Relations casework within a fast-paced environment, alongside strong knowledge of UK employment legislation and its practical application.

You will also demonstrate:

• Proven experience advising on high-volume, complex ER matters and risk
• Experience preparing documentation for Employment Tribunals
• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to influence and challenge constructively
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage competing demands
• A collaborative and solutions-focused approach
• The ability to handle sensitive situations with professionalism and discretion
• Confidence working both autonomously and as part of a wider team

A CIPD Level 5 qualification (or equivalent experience) is essential. CIPD Level 7 is desirable.