At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage complex employee relations matters while coaching a small team.
- Company: Dynamic organisation focused on employee wellbeing and development.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, pension scheme, health support, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a supportive and collaborative team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by fostering positive colleague experiences and driving organisational change.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR advisory roles and strong knowledge of UK employment law required.
Location: Hybrid – 1-2 days per week in our Bradford office with flexibility to attend as required.
Contract: Permanent – 2 roles available
- 1x 37.5 hrs per week
- 1x 30 hrs per week
Salary: £42,000 per annum (pro rata where applicable)
Benefits:
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Pension scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Health and wellbeing support
- Learning and development opportunities
- Employee discount and reward schemes
- Opportunities for career progression within the People function
We're looking for an experienced Lead Employee Relations Specialist to play a key role in delivering a high-quality, legally compliant and coaching-led Employee Relations service across our organisation. Reporting to a People Services Delivery Partner you will be a senior member of the People Services Delivery team, providing expert guidance on complex people matters, employment law and organisational risk, helping managers navigate challenging situations with confidence and consistency.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced ER professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys building strong relationships across the business. Combining deep Employee Relations expertise with a coaching and customer-focused approach, you'll support positive colleague experiences, develop manager capability and contribute to the continuous improvement of our People Services Delivery function.
Alongside managing a varied portfolio of complex employee relations matters, you'll also play an important role in supporting, coaching and developing a small team, helping to build confidence, capability and consistency across the service. You'll act as a senior role model, sharing knowledge, providing guidance on complex cases and fostering a collaborative, high-performing team culture focused on delivering exceptional support to colleagues and managers.
What You'll Do:
- Manage and develop an Employee Relations Specialist and People Assistant
- Lead on complex and high-risk Employee Relations matters
- Provide expert Employee Relations advice, guidance and coaching
- Act as an escalation point for the wider ER and People Admin queries
- Develop manager confidence and capability through a coaching-led approach
- Lead and support key People projects and organisational change activity
- Identify, assess and manage employee relations risks
- Build strong and credible relationships across the business
- Use ER data, case insights and emerging trends to drive improvement
- Contribute to the ongoing development of ER policies, processes and ways of working
You'll Bring:
- Experience operating within a Senior HR Advisory or Employee Relations role
- Previous experience leading or supervising a small team
- Experience managing complex, sensitive and high-risk employee relations matters
- Strong and up-to-date knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
- Proven ability to coach, challenge and influence managers at all levels
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Strong communication, stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
- Experience using HR systems, people data and management information to identify trends, inform decision-making and drive continuous improvement
- The ability to manage multiple priorities and competing demands simultaneously
- A customer-focused and solutions-driven mindset
Qualifications:
- CIPD Level 5 qualification (or equivalent experience)
Apply Now
Lead Employee Relations Specialist in Bradford employer: Anchor
Anchor is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development, offering a supportive work culture where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a focus on enhancing resident experiences across beautiful locations in Hampshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire, employees benefit from competitive salaries, comprehensive training, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values your contributions and fosters a rewarding career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Employee Relations Specialist in Bradford
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Anchor!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Anchor.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Employee Relations Specialist in Bradford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Anchor. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Anchor and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Anchor. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Anchor's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Anchor
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Anchor.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Anchor will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Anchor and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
