ER Lead in Manchester

ER Lead in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the Employee Relations team, ensuring high-quality case management and compliance.
  • Company: Join KPMG, a leader in professional services with a commitment to employee development.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for mentorship and professional development.
  • Why this job: Shape ER strategy and culture while making a real impact on employee experiences.
  • Qualifications: Extensive experience in Employee Relations and strong leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

The Employee Relations (ER) Lead role reports to the Head of Employee Relations and is accountable for the day‑to‑day leadership of the ER Specialist Team(s). The role provides oversight of complex case management, ensuring consistent, timely and compliant outcomes. The ER Lead provides deep expertise on ER matters, brings external market knowledge around competitor activity and industry trends, and acts as an ambassador for KPMG through effective networking. The ER Lead works collaboratively with senior business leaders, the Employment Law Advisory Team (ELAT), ER Investigations Team and Lead HRBPs to set ER standards and drive a robust and high‑performance ER culture. The role leads and develops ER talent for the firm, and plays a key role in shaping ER strategy, policy and service evolution.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the operational delivery of the ER service, ensuring high‑quality, timely and compliant outcomes across ER processes.
  • Line manage the ER Manager(s), ensuring objectives are clear and stretching developmental support is provided.
  • Act as the senior escalation point for complex, sensitive and high‑risk ER cases, providing clear direction, challenge and support.
  • Set and oversee ER standards, embedding consistent practice and accountability.
  • Drive consistent risk and values‑based decision making, aligning legal compliance, employee experience and commercial outcomes.
  • Provide senior technical leadership on ER matters, operating with a high degree of autonomy and professional judgement.
  • Lead the development of ER capability, championing a strong learning culture in the team.
  • Take a proactive, consultative and pragmatic approach to managing quality and risk in collaboration with senior stakeholders.
  • Horizon scan legislative and risk developments, working closely with ELAT to ensure ER policy, process and practice remains compliant and fit for purpose.
  • Build strong and credible stakeholder partnerships across the business and HR, acting as a trusted advisor and SME.
  • Ensure accurate and timely case recording and data quality to satisfy internal governance and regulatory reporting requirements.
  • Maintain strong external stakeholder relationships (e.g., Occupational Health and other specialist advisors) to bring insight, knowledge and best practice into the firm.
  • Undertake proactive and regular review of key ER themes and trends across the business, producing data and analytics that drive recommendations and solutions.

Role Dimensions

  • Leadership & Management: Lead and provide oversight for ER activity, aligning to the people strategy and values.
  • Build ER capability across the business and develop a high‑performing team, embracing technology to do so.
  • Trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, influencing and challenging with confidence and professionalism.
  • Accountable for ER decision making, standards and outcomes.
  • Create and analyse ER‑related data, producing MI and presenting commercially based recommendations and solutions.

Qualifications

  • Extensive experience in senior‑level Employee Relations roles.
  • Deep knowledge of ER and employment law, with the ability to apply judgement pragmatically.
  • Proven credibility advising and influencing at a senior level.
  • Ability to interpret Employment Law and apply commercial decision making to drive outcomes.
  • Strong leadership capability, with a track record of upskilling, coaching and mentoring senior ER professionals.
  • Strong project and change management skills.
  • Strategic and analytical thinker, with the ability to translate data, insight and trends into clear recommendations and actions.
  • Experience within regulated and matrixed organisations is desirable.
  • Experience of informal dispute resolution and mediation is desirable.

Grade: B

EEO Statement: Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme.

ER Lead in Manchester employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd

KPMG is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation in the field of Employee Relations. With a strong commitment to employee development, KPMG provides extensive growth opportunities through mentorship and training, ensuring that ER professionals can thrive and advance their careers. Located in a vibrant city, the company promotes a culture of inclusivity and support, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.

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Contact Details:

Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land ER Lead in Manchester

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at KPMG. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by diving deep into ER topics. Brush up on the latest trends and legislation in Employee Relations. We want you to show off your knowledge and passion during those interviews, so make sure you can discuss how you’d tackle complex cases and drive a high-performance culture.

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently. Plus, it’s a great way to get feedback on your answers and body language before the real deal.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand. So, go ahead and hit that apply button!

We think you need these skills to ace ER Lead in Manchester

Employee Relations Expertise
Complex Case Management
Leadership and Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Employment Law Knowledge
Data Analysis and Reporting
Project Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the ER Lead role. Highlight your experience in employee relations and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align 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 any relevant achievements that showcase your expertise.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As an ER Lead, you'll be managing teams and influencing senior stakeholders. Make sure to highlight your leadership experiences and how you've successfully developed talent in previous roles. We love seeing examples of strong mentorship!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s straightforward and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, we can’t wait to read your application!

How to prepare for a job interview at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd

Know Your ER Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Employee Relations and employment law. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in previous roles, especially in complex case management. This will show that you can bring valuable expertise to the table.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your leadership capabilities, particularly in managing teams and developing talent. Think about times when you've successfully led a project or initiative, and be ready to share how you motivated your team and achieved results.

Be a Trusted Advisor

Demonstrate your ability to build strong relationships with senior stakeholders. Have examples ready where you've influenced decision-making or provided strategic advice. This will help convey that you can act as a credible advisor within the organisation.

Data-Driven Decision Making

Familiarise yourself with how to analyse ER-related data and trends. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive recommendations in the past. This shows that you can combine analytical thinking with practical solutions, which is key for the role.