At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to deliver top-notch HR services and manage employee relations.
- Company: AWE, dedicated to keeping the nation safe with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 9-day working fortnight, generous leave, and a market-leading pension scheme.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for career development and community involvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in HR while enjoying flexibility and professional growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in employee relations and strong leadership skills required.
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: Reading, with free onsite parking.
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 also be accountable for:
- Ensuring consistent application of HR policies and practices, aligning with legal requirements and best practice, managing risk appropriately and driving continuous improvement and change.
- Embedding a service led approach to manage business demand, coordinate resources, and collaborate with Heads of HR CoEs to ensure services meet business needs.
- Providing expert analysis and reporting on HR data, supporting employee communications, and maintaining strong external relationships to ensure compliance and alignment with industry standards.
- Promoting 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 employee relations (ER) within a large organisation. You will be able to manage your 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.
We do need you to have the following:
- Chartered Member of the CIPD or equivalent
- 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 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 A
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Employee Relations Lead in Reading employer: awepeople
AWE is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Alverstoke location where flexibility and employee growth are prioritised. With a strong emphasis on teamwork and high-quality support, we provide opportunities for professional development and a culture that values reliability and communication, making it a rewarding place to build your career in defence administration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Lead in Reading
✨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 awepeople!
✨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 awepeople.
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Lead in Reading
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 awepeople. 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 awepeople 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 awepeople. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to awepeople'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 awepeople
✨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 awepeople.
✨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 awepeople 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 awepeople and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
