Employee Relations Lead

In your role as Employee Relations Lead, you will make a meaningful and valued contribution from the outset. This role will provide a great opportunity to be responsible for leading the effective management of all employee relations matters across the organisation. The role partners closely with managers to build capability in handling informal and formal ER issues, balancing organisational risk with pragmatic, people-focused solutions. The role also acts as a subject matter expert (SME) in ER processes, policies, and systems, including contributing to HRIS implementation and continuous improvement of ER frameworks, reporting, and governance.

Responsibilities

Lead the end-to-end management of all formal ER cases, including disciplinary, grievance, absence, performance; Support the HRBPs with organisational change activity; Support and coach managers to resolve issues at an early stage through informal approaches wherever appropriate; Coach and guide managers on handling employee issues confidently and effectively, with an emphasis on early, informal resolution; Build manager capability in applying policies, conducting investigations, and managing difficult conversations; Provide practical, risk-balanced advice that aligns business needs with colleague wellbeing and engagement; Support leadership and management development initiatives relating to ER and people management; Balance commercial, reputational and legal risk in all ER advice and decision making; Ensure compliance with employment legislation, ACAS guidance, and regulatory frameworks; Develop, review, and maintain ER related policies, procedures, templates and guidance materials; Provide clear and accessible guidance for HR and managers; Establish and maintain robust ER case tracking and reporting mechanisms; Analyse ER data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities; Produce regular reporting and insights for HR leadership and the business; Act as ER SME in the design and implementation of the HRIS, particularly ER case management modules; Define system requirements, workflows, and reporting needs; Ensure HRBPs are kept up to date with employee relations matters; Mentor and upskill HR Operations and wider HR teams in ER knowledge and best practice; Provide training and guidance on ER processes, policies, and case handling

Requirements

Strong knowledge of UK employment law and ER best practice; Proven experience managing complex ER casework end-to-end; Experience advising within regulated environments (e.g., FCA); Excellent coaching and influencing skills; Strong judgement and ability to balance risk with pragmatic solutions; Analytical mindset with experience in reporting; Ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders effectively; Clear, confident communication skills (written and verbal)

Benefits

Great starting salary; Generous annual leave package; Access to a high quality pension scheme; Supportive people policies; Financial contributions towards your personal development; Access to health and wellbeing services; Learning and development opportunities; Employee Volunteer Days; Cycle to Work Scheme; Flexible office/homeworking hybrid model