Employee Relations Manager in Brighton

At BIMM University, we're more than just an educational institution; we're a vibrant community dedicated to nurturing creativity and empowering students to reach their full potential. With campuses across the UK, Ireland, and Germany, we offer a diverse range of courses in modern music, performing arts, filmmaking and creative technology. Our commitment to excellence in creative arts education sets us apart, providing students with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to succeed in their chosen fields.

About the role

As Employee Relations Manager, you will lead employee relations practice across the University, overseeing complex casework, policy application and employment law issues across a multi‑campus environment. The role focuses on ensuring fair, consistent and legally sound outcomes, while providing trusted advice to senior leaders, managers and People colleagues on sensitive and high‑risk matters.

What You'll Do:

• Lead the management of complex and high‑risk employee relations cases, including disciplinary, grievance, capability, redundancy, TUPE, collective consultation and employment tribunal matters.
• Apply UK employment law, internal policy and best practice to support sound, defensible and values‑led outcomes.
• Provide oversight and assurance on ER practice across the University, acting as an escalation point for complex or sensitive matters.
• Support and coach People Partners and managers, building confidence and capability in handling employee relations issues effectively.
• Develop, review and implement employee relations policies, procedures and guidance.
• Use ER data and insight to identify trends, risks and opportunities for preventative action and improvement.
• Work with the Learning and Development Manager to shape targeted training and capability‑building activity.
• Collaborate with People Partners, senior leaders, trade unions and external advisers on organisational change and people‑related projects.

What You'll Bring:

• Significant experience in a senior employee relations or specialist People role.
• Strong and current knowledge of UK employment law and employee relations practice.
• Proven experience managing complex, high-risk and sensitive employee relations cases independently.
• Experience developing and implementing policies, processes or frameworks with organisation-wide impact.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and use insight to support decision-making and service improvement.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills, including experience working with senior stakeholders.
• The ability to manage competing priorities in a complex organisational setting.
• Confidence using HR systems, Microsoft Office and management information tools.
• A Level 5 qualification in Human Resources or equivalent professional experience.

We are a values led organisation, meaning our core values underpin all that we do. In addition to joining a committed and dedicated team, you will have access to:

• 25 days holiday per year (FTE)
• SMART pension
• A comprehensive benefits package

We continually strive to create a culture of inclusivity so that we truly represent our diverse communities. We particularly welcome applications from people of colour who are underrepresented in our organisation. We are committed to promoting the safety and welfare of our students, therefore all successful applicants are required to complete a basic DBS disclosure. Depending on the role, you may be required to complete an enhanced check / enhanced check with barred list if required by statute and internal policy.