Employee Relations Business Partner

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Join to apply for the Employee Relations Business Partner role at South West Water

At South West Water we believe that the strongest businesses are built on solid, stable foundations – with a vision and a culture that gives them the freedom to change, improve and innovate.
We’re proud to be responsible for providing reliable, efficient and high-quality drinking water and wastewater services for the beautiful South West area.
And we have huge ambitions.
Not only are we committed to reaching net-zero by 2030, but we’ve also partnered with Wildlife Trusts, National Parks and local partners to help ensure a better future for generations to come.
So, if you want to be part of a diverse team where opportunities flow and fresh ideas are welcomed, #JustAddWater.
We currently have an Employee Relations Business Partner opportunity available in our People team based in either Exeter or Bristol. Joining us on a permanent full time contract, you will receive a competitive salary of £45,000 – £50,000 per annum plus excellent benefits.
About the role:
This is a great opportunity as your role will be instrumental in driving a culture of empowered, values-led leadership across the organisation.
Reporting into the Inclusion and ER Lead, you will work in close partnership with leaders to deliver impactful coaching, development, and behavioural change interventions that strengthen leadership effectiveness and foster a positive, inclusive workplace culture. Through expert advice, coaching, and innovative ER practices, you will help drive forward organisational effectiveness by empowering leaders to manage people issues with confidence, fairness, and integrity.
You will have opportunity to lead on complex employee relations matters, deliver proactive ER strategies, and play a critical role in shaping change programmes that reflect our values and enhance employee engagement.
What you\’ll be doing:

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and HR colleagues on complex and sensitive employee relations issues, ensuring alignment with organisational values, risk mitigation, and legal compliance
• Drive a proactive ER agenda that supports business strategy, enhances the employee experience, and reduces ER risk
• Use data and insights to identify ER trends, root causes, and areas for improvement, and translate findings into actionable solutions
• Lead on high-risk and high-profile ER cases (e.g. grievances, disciplinaries, performance, absence, TUPE, redundancy), balancing risk and commercial impact with fairness and wellbeing
• Build and deliver training and development opportunities for managers to ensure effective people management.
• Lead on large scale change projects throughout the organisation.
• Coach and influence managers to build confidence in handling people matters, fostering strong leadership and accountability
• Design and deliver targeted training on key ER topics (e.g. investigations, fairness, unconscious bias, performance conversations)
• Contribute to policy reviews and ensure HR policies reflect best practice, legal compliance, and inclusive principles

What we are looking for:

• CIPD qualified or significant equivalent experience/qualification in employment law
• Experience of coaching and training multiple stakeholders
• Experience of advising and coaching on strategic changes including contractual and non-contractual change, risk profiles
• Experience in a unionised environment
• TUPE/major change experience

What\’s in it for you:

• We know that the support and commitment of our staff is key to our success so you will receive the opportunity for ongoing development and training for a long-term career with us. We’re one of the largest companies in the South West and are proud to have been awarded Investors in People recognition
• In return, we offer an excellent range of benefits including:
• Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
• A discretionary Bonus
• Competitive Contributory Pension
• Share-save Scheme
• Various health benefits
• Wellbeing support programmes
• A range of Group Discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Financial support services
• And plenty more!

Closing date: Wednesday 28th May 2025
Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.
Our core values which are essential to our success are:
Be Rock Solid – Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
Be You – We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
Be the Future – Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Not Applicable

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Human Resources

• Industries

  Utilities

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