At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead employee relations support, manage complex cases, and improve ER frameworks.
- Company: Join Booker, a dynamic workplace with a focus on career growth and employee wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts at Tesco, health benefits, and a competitive retirement savings plan.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in employee relations while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in employee relations and UK employment law required.
The predicted salary is between 47043 - 57497 £ per year.
What's in it for you
At Booker, along with being a great place to work and giving you an opportunity to get on in your career, we also offer the following fantastic package of benefits:
- A Booker colleague card with 10% off purchases at Booker and double discount events up to three times a year.
- After 3 months service, a Tesco colleague discount card with 10% increasing to 15% off most purchases at Tesco for a 4 day period after every four-weekly pay day, ie. thirteen times a year.
In addition to 10% off at Tesco Cafe and 20% off all F&F purchases.
- 10% off pay monthly & SIM only deals with Tesco Mobile for yourself, along with further great deals through-out the year.
- Up to 30% off car, pet and home insurance at Tesco bank. Terms and conditions apply.
- Free eye test when you spend £50 or more. You can also save 30% when you spend £50 or more on glasses, prescription sunglasses and contact lenses.
- 50% off health checks at Tesco Pharmacy.
- Exclusive access to discounted RAC breakdown cover rates
- An exclusive deals and discounts website saving you money on everyday purchases including a cycle to work scheme.
- After 3 months service, you can join our annual Save As You Earn share scheme which allows you to buy Tesco shares in the future at a discount.
- Retirement savings plan (pension) - save up to 5% and Booker will match your contribution.
- Life Assurance - You are covered for death in service life cover of up to three times annual pay
- Health and Wellbeing support and resources including our 24/7, confidential Employee Assistance Programme and Virtual GP for you and your family.
- A great holiday package
About the role
This is a new exciting role we're bringing into the business.
You'll be required to establish and lead specialist employee relations (ER) support across Booker, ensuring complex, high-risk and sensitive ER matters are managed consistently, fairly and in line with employment law, company policy and business priorities.
The role will lead the ER Partner team (1 North, 1 South), act as a senior escalation point for complex ER cases, use ER data and insight to reduce risk and improve manager capability, and work closely with the Head of ER, Policy & Change to strengthen ER frameworks, policy application, case management and cultural progress.
- You will be responsible for
- Establish and manage specialist ER support within the business, working closely with the Head of ER, Policy & Change to shape the ER approach, service and ways of working.
- Lead, coach and develop ER Partners, ensuring clear priorities, strong technical capability and delivery of a high-quality ER service.
- Build effective relationships with Heads of People Partnering, People teams, managers and senior leaders to resolve ER issues effectively and support sound decision-making.
- Provide timely expert advice on complex ER matters, including conduct, capability, performance, absence, grievance, disciplinary and other workplace issues.
- Actively support managers and leaders with formal processes, including complex harassment, discrimination or sensitive cases involving senior managers and leaders.
- Provide constructive challenge to managers and leaders where decision‑making, cultural impact, policy application or ER risk requires review.
- Launch, embed and support effective use of the new case management tool across the People team.
- Analyse ER data, case trends and risk indicators to identify themes, priorities and opportunities for targeted intervention.
- Use ER insight to improve manager capability, strengthen consistency, reduce repeat issues and lower ER risk across the business.
- Work closely with the People Manager – People Change & Policy to ensure policies remain compliant, practical, useful and aligned with business priorities.
- Provide ER assessments for business projects where there may be people‑impacting change, identifying risks, mitigations and recommended actions.
- Oversee the relationship between Booker and external employment law advisers, ensuring advice is used appropriately and employment law budget activity is managed effectively.
- Act as the senior escalation point for complex, high‑risk and sensitive ER matters, providing guidance, recommendations and risk‑based decision support.
Further escalating significant ER, legal, reputational, colleague or business risks to the Head of ER, Policy & Change and People Leadership Team where required.
- You will need
- Technical / Professional
- Strong ER experience, including complex case management, employment law application and formal ER processes.
- Experience leading or managing ER specialists, People colleagues or advisory teams.
- Strong understanding of UK employment law, ER risk, discrimination, harassment, absence, conduct, capability, performance and grievance processes.
- Experience advising on complex, high‑risk or sensitive employee relations matters involving senior managers or leaders.
- Ability to provide clear, practical and risk‑based advice to People teams, managers and senior leaders.
- Experience using mediation and conflict resolution skills to address issues outside of formal processes.
- Experience using ER data and case trends to identify risks, themes and capability needs.
- Ability to develop targeted interventions that improve manager capability and reduce ER risk.
- Strong understanding of policy application, policy improvement and the link between ER, culture and business priorities.
- Experience working with external employment law providers and managing a tribunal case load.
- Experience implementing or embedding ER case management tools would be beneficial.
- Strong written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear case summaries, recommendations, reports and stakeholder updates.
- Confident using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Power Point, Outlook, Teams and Word.
- Behavioural & Leadership
- Able to influence senior stakeholders and provide clear direction.
- Fair, balanced and values‑led, with a strong commitment to consistency, integrity and sound judgement.
- Calm and resilient when managing complex, sensitive or high‑risk ER matters.
- Strong communicator, able to explain complex ER and employment law matters clearly and practically.
- Analytical and evidence‑led, with the ability to use data, case insight and risk assessment to guide decisions.
- Constructive challenger, able to support better decision‑making while maintaining trusted relationships.
- Collaborative, with the ability to work effectively across People, Policy, Legal, Operations and senior leadership teams.
- Improvement‑focused, with willingness to strengthen ER processes, policy application, reporting and manager capability.
- Organised and disciplined, with strong follow‑up, case governance and attention to detail.
- Professional and confidential when handling sensitive colleague, legal or business information.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Employee Relations Manager employer: Booker
Booker is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in England where you can lead a dedicated team to achieve operational excellence. With a strong focus on employee development and customer service, you'll benefit from a range of perks including discounts and a retirement savings plan, all while being part of a culture that values motivation and strategic planning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Employee Relations Manager
✨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 Booker!
✨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 Booker.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Employee Relations Manager
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 Booker. 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 Booker 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 Booker. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Booker'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 Booker
✨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 Booker.
✨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 Booker 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 Booker and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
