At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead employee relations, provide expert advice, and manage complex cases.
- Company: Join Biffa, a forward-thinking company transforming waste management.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse workplace, and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee experience in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Significant ER experience and strong knowledge of UK employment law.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to sustainability and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced People Advice Manager to play a crucial role in delivering a high-quality, consistent, and proactive People advisory service across our diverse business. Reporting to the Head of People Advice, you will act as the first point of escalation for complex employee relations (ER) and business change matters, providing expert guidance, coaching, and oversight to the People Advice team. You will also manage your own portfolio of senior and complex cases, including those involving Senior Managers, Leaders, and Group Business Functions. As deputy to the Head of People Advice, you will lead the team in their absence and ensure continuity of service, while helping to drive continuous improvement, capability building, and best practice across the function. This is a great opportunity to step into a senior, influential ER role where you can help shape service delivery, support leaders, and make a real impact on employee experience.
Some of your key responsibilities:
- First point of escalation for complex ER cases (disciplinary, grievance, absence, capability, whistleblowing)
- Provide strategic employee relations advice to senior leaders on high-risk and sensitive cases
- Oversee the People Advice phone line, inbox, and business change requests
- Help coach and mentor People Advisors and support their continuous development
- Manage the governance for our People policies and ensure they comply with UK employment law
- Analyse ER data to identify trends, risks, and suggest proactive interventions
- Help design and deliver ER training for managers
What you'll need to be successful:
- Significant ER experience in a complex, fast-paced business
- Experience working in a central ER Advisory service
- Strong practical knowledge of UK employment law
- Confident advising senior managers and leaders
- Experienced in settlement agreements and tribunal preparation
- Experienced in business change including TUPE and redundancy
- Strong coach, communicator, and stakeholder manager
- Proactive in approach and able to make decisions
- Commercially minded
- CIPD Level 5 desirable
- Experience in an operational and unionised environment
At Biffa, we love working with waste. Whether we’re turning it into sustainable power, finding new ways to recycle it or simply keeping it off the streets, we believe every day is an opportunity to improve the lives of millions. It’s a view that’s shared by our 11,000+ people around the country, who trust us to provide them with a career that’s always rewarding, often challenging, but never dull. We believe different ideas, perspective and backgrounds are key to developing a creative and effective working environment which is why you’ll find us championing diversity and equality at every turn.
Employee Relations Manager in High Wycombe employer: Biffa
Contact Detail:
Biffa Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Manager in High Wycombe
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We recommend practising common interview questions and thinking about how your experience aligns with the role. The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise during interviews by sharing specific examples from your past experiences. We want to hear about those complex ER cases you’ve handled and how you’ve made a difference. This is your chance to demonstrate your value!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing that position!
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Manager in High Wycombe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Employee Relations Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in ER, especially with complex cases and advising senior leaders. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about employee relations and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention specific examples from your past that demonstrate your skills and experience.
Showcase Your Knowledge of UK Employment Law: Since this role requires strong practical knowledge of UK employment law, make sure to highlight any relevant qualifications or experiences. We want to know that you’re up-to-date and ready to tackle any legal challenges that come your way!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Biffa
✨Know Your ER Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK employment law and employee relations best practices. Be ready to discuss specific cases you've handled, especially those involving complex issues like disciplinary actions or grievances. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Showcase Your Coaching Skills
Since the role involves mentoring People Advisors, think about examples where you've successfully coached or developed others. Prepare to share how you approach coaching and what techniques you use to help others grow. This will highlight your leadership potential and ability to support team development.
✨Be Proactive and Strategic
Demonstrate your proactive approach by discussing how you've identified trends in ER data and implemented changes based on your findings. Think of specific examples where your strategic advice has made a difference for senior leaders. This will show that you can think ahead and contribute to continuous improvement.
✨Engage with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with Biffa's mission and values, especially their commitment to sustainability and diversity. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals. This connection can set you apart as a candidate who truly understands and supports the company culture.