At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and coach managers on employee relations, managing cases from sickness to disciplinary actions.
- Company: Join a leading non-profit with a global impact and a strong commercial focus.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working options and flexibility with occasional office visits.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in employee experience while working in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in employee relations, case management, and knowledge of employment law required.
- Other info: Immediate start for a fixed term of 12 months; ideal for those near London, Bristol, or other listed cities.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Job Description
Join Howdens Joinery as an Employee Relations Specialist supporting our Depot network. This is a permanent role and offers you a chance to specialise in Employee Relations within the UK's leading Trade Kitchen Supplier. \\n\\nIn this ER role, you will play a key role working as part of a team of experienced ER professionals who are passionate about delivering a high-quality service. This role is based at our Croxley site in Hertfordshire four days a week with one day working from home.
We welcome applications from candidates seeking full-time or part-time working arrangements.\\n\\nWhat will I be doing as an ER Specialist?\\n\\n – Delivering efficient ER advisory services with high standards of customer service and accurate employment advice.\\n – Advising managers on policy, HR best practices, and legislation while managing a portfolio of 30 cases, including complex ER issues.\\n – Partnering with managers, coaching on risk assessment, and providing options to support informed decisions.\\n – Responding to employee queries and concerns.\\n – Supporting senior management with case documentation and employment tribunal reports.\\n – Delivering ER workshops to enhance understanding of best practices and risk in performance management.\\n – Maintaining knowledge of HR legislation, policies, and assisting with reviews.\\n – Using HR systems and Microsoft Office to manage and update data.\\n – Ensuring HR correspondence meets SLAs and business needs.\\n\\nWhat do I need to qualify for this ER Specialist role?\\n\\n – Currently operating as an ER or HR Advisor or possess experience in the full spectrum of ER related matters.\\n – Able to demonstrate credible ER knowledge covering all elements of the employee life cycle.\\n – You will have achieved or working towards a level 3 to 5 (or equivalent) CIPD.\\n – Strong customer service skills and the ability to deliver constructive, supportive, and accurate employment advice.\\n – Understanding of employment law legislation and its application in a commercial environment to help managers accurately assess risk when making decisions\\n – Organised and able to prioritise workload.\\n – Able to build effective working relationships with managers.\\n\\nWhat we can offer you as an ER Specialist\\n\\n – Competitive salary and company bonus\\n – Excellent pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%)\\n – 25 days holiday + bank holidays\\n – Staff Discount\\n – Employee Assistance Programme\\n – Exceptional Reward and Recognition events\\n\\nAbout Howdens: \\n\\nHowdens Joinery is the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier providing thousands of products across kitchens, joinery, and hardware.  We have over 900 depots throughout the UK and Europe – making us the first choice for more than 460,000 loyal trade professionals.  Last year our sales reached circa 2.3bn, and we have an ambitious growth agenda.  \\n\\nAs well as the opportunity to develop within a fast paced and commercial environment, you will be part of a rewarding organisation recognised for excellence in the workplace in the Best Big Companies to Work For. \\n\\nHow to apply:   \\n\\nWe’re creating a future where world-class service, innovation, and sustainability are at the core of everything we do.  \\n\\nHowdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We’re working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application.
If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email (url removed) with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.   \\n\\n#LI-SW1
Employee Relations Specialist employer: Howdens Joinery
Contact Detail:
Howdens Joinery Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific employment laws and HR procedures relevant to the non-profit sector. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the unique challenges faced by organizations like ours.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any experience you have in managing complex employee relations cases, especially in a unionized environment. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully navigated these situations in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your ability to develop and implement effective HR policies. Think about how you can align these policies with organizational needs while ensuring compliance with employment law, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss your approach to providing excellent employee experiences. Consider how you can balance the needs of the organization with those of employees, and be prepared to share strategies you've used in previous roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in employee relations, particularly your case management skills and knowledge of employment law. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to handle complex ER issues.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the organization. Clearly outline how your background aligns with the job requirements, especially your experience in managing ER cases and working in unionized environments.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Emphasize your customer-focused approach and process-driven mindset. Mention any experience you have with developing HR policies or managing TUPE transfers, as these are key aspects of the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any errors or inconsistencies. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in an Employee Relations Specialist role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Howdens Joinery
✨Showcase Your ER Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in employee relations, especially with complex case management. Highlight specific examples where you successfully resolved issues and how your approach aligns with employment law.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research the non-profit sector and the specific organization’s values. Be ready to explain how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to a positive employee experience.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-life ER situations. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making steps when handling cases like disciplinary actions or sickness absence.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
As an Employee Relations Specialist, clear communication is key. Prepare to showcase your ability to convey complex information simply and effectively, especially when discussing sensitive topics with managers and employees.