Employee Relations Specialist

What’s the purpose of role:

To support the implementation and continuous improvement of HR policies and practices, working with the ER & Policy Manager to ensure legal compliance. A key aspect of the role is supporting and upskilling line managers to apply policies effectively and confidently, fostering a positive employee relations climate, from conduct and capability to grievances and absence management. You’ll play a key role in promoting informal, proactive, and personalised approaches to people management with a commercial lens at all times.

This role closely supports HR colleagues (HRBP’s) in complex case management to limit commercial risk and litigation, taking the lead in navigating ER issues.

The ER Specialist plays a key part in helping the business strengthen its policy management and will support operational managers across a multi-site organisation working with different people and personalities. You’ll build trust in the function and show the business what “good looks like” for all things employee relations.

The role reports directly into the Employee Relations & Policy Manager and will work closely with the Business Partners, regional directors and managers across sites.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the first point of contact for all ER-related issues.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on HR policies and procedures.
• Coach and develop line managers to build capability and confidence through 1:1 sessions and group training on:
• Performance and capability
• Disciplinaries and grievances
• Absence management
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation, HR standards, and company policies.
• Maintain accurate and timely case records and documentation.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders and provide a consultative approach to resolving issues.
• Manage a high-volume ER caseload, including complex and sensitive cases.
• Identify and escalate high-risk cases to the ER & Policy Manager.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement within the HR team.
• Participate in broader people-focused projects as and when required.
• Analyse employee relations data and trends to identify risks and recommend proactive solutions.
• Champion a culture of fairness, inclusion, and respect in all employee relations practices.

What you’ll have:

• Experience working as an ER Adviser / HRBP ideally in a manufacturing or equivalent environment.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices.
• Excellent communication, coaching, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to influence and build credibility with colleagues at all levels.
• Meticulous attention to detail with a strategic and pragmatic mindset.
• Commercially minded with a creative approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to travel to different UK based sites.