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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic HR team to deliver top-notch employee relations services.
- Company: Join AWE, a leader in national safety and innovative HR solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 9-day working fortnight, generous leave, and a market-leading pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a role that shapes workplace culture and employee experience.
- Qualifications: CIPD Chartered Member with strong HR management and analytical skills.
- Other info: Flexible working options and excellent career development opportunities await you.
The predicted salary is between 61040 - 85000 £ per year.
Job Description
Employee Relations Lead – Reading, Berkshire, RG7 4PRJob Type: Full-TimeSalary: £61040 – £85000 per annum AWE is currently recruiting for an Employee Relations Lead to lead and develop a team of HR professionals to deliver high quality HR/ER services to the business, ensuring the supply of services is meeting business demands. Location: RG7 4PR, located between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parking. Plans to relocate role to Green Park (Reading), from December 2025.
Package: From £61,040 to £85,000 (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience) Working pattern: AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight. We will consider flexible working requests so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle. Just let us know your preferred working pattern on your application.
Ready to play your part? At AWE, it's not just a job, it's far more than that. Our shared purpose is to help keep the nation safe.
Could this role be the opportunity for you to play your part? As the Employee Relations Lead, you will oversee the delivery of a high-quality, legally compliant HR service aligned with the company's people plan and SLAs, while leading and managing a personal caseload and/or related projects. You will coach and develop an experienced and diverse team, setting clear direction and ensuring they have the skills and resources to deliver results now and in the future.
You will also be accountable for: Ensure consistent application of HR policies and practices, aligning with legal requirements and best practice, and driving continuous improvement and change.Embed a service led approach to manage business demand, coordinate resources, and collaborate with Heads of HR CoEs to ensure services meet business needs.Provide expert analysis and reporting on HR data, support employee communications, and maintain strong external relationships to ensure compliance and alignment with industry standards.Promote a culture of safety, quality, and collaboration, maintaining high personal and professional standards. Who are we looking for? We are looking for a candidate with strong experience in managing their own workload and priorities effectively, while demonstrating excellent facilitation, mediation, and stakeholder management skills.
The ideal individual will be a confident communicator with strong presentation abilities and expert coaching skills that inspire trust and collaboration. Proficiency in HR information systems and intermediate-level MS Office skills, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Visio. The candidate should be fluent in developing and interpreting HR metrics and reporting, with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
A commercial mindset and business acumen are key, along with the ability to design and deliver impactful HR solutions at pace, with measurable return on investment. We do need you to have the following: Chartered Member of the CIPD or equivalentHigher education in Human Resources related area Whilst not to be considered a tick list, we'd like you to have experience in some of the following: Experience leading HR teams and initiatives, including service delivery, change management, and process improvement within a business-facing HR environment.Background in employment tribunals, mediation, and trade union consultation, with a solid understanding of employment law and third-party management.Managing teams to SLAs and KPIs, delivering HR projects, and driving results in complex, demand-led environments.Skilled in identifying strategic HR issues, developing solutions, and using data to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.Working within and leading CoE initiatives, including the development and implementation of SLAs and KPIs.Active inhouse mediator/Mediation skills. You'll need to have the ability to work calmly and constructively in a priority changing environment and be able to manage your own workload.
You will also have initiative, enthusiasm, a flexible approach, and ability to work to tight deadlines. Some reasons we think you'll love it here: AWE has wide range of benefits to suit you. These include: 9-day working fortnight – meaning you get every other Friday off work, in addition to 270 hours of annual leave.Market leading contributory pension scheme (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your contributions).Family friendly policies: Maternity Leave – 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave – 4 Weeks Full Pay.Opportunities for Professional Career Development including funding for annual membership of a relevant professional body.Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.Life Assurance (4 x annual salary).Discounts – access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending.Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring.
The 'Working at AWE' page on our website is where you can find full details in the 'AWE Benefits Guide'. Hybrid working is available for this role on an informal, non-contractual basis. Typically 3 days onsite per week.
#LI-SW#LI-Hybrid
Employee Relations Lead - Reading employer: AWE Nuclear Security Technologies
Contact Detail:
AWE Nuclear Security Technologies Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Lead - Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at AWE on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. Personal connections can give you insights that you won't find anywhere else.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching AWE's values and recent projects. Show us that you understand our mission to keep the nation safe and how your skills align with that. Tailor your answers to reflect our culture and goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering competency questions. Structure your responses around Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This will help you articulate your past experiences clearly and effectively, making a strong impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. It’s also a chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the Employee Relations Lead position.
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Lead - Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Employee Relations Lead role. Highlight your relevant experience in HR, especially around managing teams and delivering high-quality services. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your facilitation, mediation, and stakeholder management skills. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've successfully navigated complex HR situations in the past. This will help us see your potential impact at AWE.
Be Clear About Your Preferences: Since we offer flexible working patterns, let us know your preferred working style in your application. Whether you’re keen on hybrid working or have specific hours in mind, being upfront helps us understand how you can fit into our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our fantastic benefits there!
How to prepare for a job interview at AWE Nuclear Security Technologies
✨Know Your HR Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of HR policies, employment law, and best practices. AWE is looking for someone who can ensure compliance and drive continuous improvement, so be ready to discuss how you've done this in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Employee Relations Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and develop a team. Prepare examples of how you've coached and inspired your team in the past, and be ready to talk about your approach to managing workloads and priorities.
✨Be Data Savvy
A strong understanding of HR metrics and reporting is crucial for this role. Familiarise yourself with key HR data points and be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform decision-making and drive results in your previous positions.
✨Communicate Confidently
Excellent communication skills are a must-have for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing complex topics like mediation or stakeholder management. Remember, AWE values collaboration, so show them you're a team player!