At a Glance
- Tasks: Support school leaders with employee relations, providing clear and practical advice.
- Company: Join HR Connect, part of a leading local authority-owned trading organisation.
- Benefits: Up to £40,000 salary, 25 days leave, flexible working, and pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in schools while developing your HR expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR advisory roles with a focus on employee relations.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Kings Hill/hybrid
Salary: Up to £40,000 per annum (full-time equivalent, pro rata for part-time, term time only and dependent on experience)
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: We welcome full‑time, term time only and part‑time applications, and we’re very open to conversations about flexible working patterns.
Do you enjoy getting stuck into employee relations work? Building trusted relationships, and helping leaders navigate tricky situations with confidence?
In this role, you’ll be a trusted adviser to headteachers, senior leaders and governors guiding them through sensitive and sometimes complex situations with professionalism, empathy and clarity. This is a hands-on, relationship-based HR role, ideal for someone who enjoys ER casework, problem solving and working closely with leaders, rather than internal policy or process management.
Who we are
HR Connect is part of Commercial Services Group (CSG), one of the UK’s largest local authority-owned trading organisations, operating 33 businesses across education, energy, IT, procurement, HR and more. Our mission is simple. We support the delivery of better public services to help people live, learn and thrive. This purpose underpins everything we do. A significant proportion of our profits is reinvested into frontline public services, enabling us to combine commercial performance with meaningful social value.
Why this role matters
A true ER-focused role, where every day is different and you will be pivotal in supporting schools to manage employee relations matters confidently and fairly working to achieve positive outcomes for leaders, staff and pupils.
What you’ll be doing
- Building strong, trusted relationships with school leaders and governors
- Supporting leaders through complex or sensitive situations with balanced, confident advice
- Providing practical, clear advice across the full range of employee relations matters, including absence management, capability, conduct, restructures and grievances
- Helping schools interpret and apply employment policies fairly, consistently and pragmatically
- Working collaboratively with colleagues across HR Connect, sharing learning, expertise and best practice
- Getting involved in service development, projects and continuous improvement initiatives
- Opportunities to specialise, if you have a particular interest (for example absence management, investigations, capability or restructures), we’d love to help you develop this further and become a specialist or project lead
- Professional growth, this is a role that can grow and evolve around your strengths and interests over time
What we’re looking for
- Proven experience in an HR advisory or consultancy role with a strong focus on employee relations
- Strong practical experience managing ER casework end to end
- Good understanding and working knowledge of employment legislation, underpinned by the ability to confidently apply this to support risk based HR advice
- The ability to provide balanced, clear advice in challenging or sensitive situations
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- A proactive, resilient and solutions-focused approach
- Experience of working with schools, academies or the wider public sector is helpful, but not essential.
- A CIPD qualification or equivalent experience is welcome, but strong, practical ER experience is what really matters to us.
- You don’t need to tick every box, we’re much more interested in the right mindset and approach.
What you’ll get in return
- Salary of up to £40,000 per annum (full-time equivalent, pro rata for term time only or part-time)
- 25 days annual leave + an extra Birthday Day Off
- One concessionary day during the Christmas period
- Pension scheme with employer contribution
- Life assurance cover
- Flexible or hybrid working
Why CSG?
CSG is the UK’s largest local authority-owned trading company (LATCO), generating over £800 million in revenue per annum and supporting more than 16,000 education and public sector customers globally. We are growing through a combination of organic development, acquisitions and strategic partnerships. Our businesses deliver services across education, IT, HR, legal, energy, procurement and more, all focused on delivering meaningful impact. As a locally owned organisation, we take pride in reinvesting a significant proportion of our profits into frontline services, helping strengthen the communities we serve.
Inclusion & Accessibility
We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We encourage applications from suitably qualified people of all backgrounds. As a member of Inclusive Employers and a Working Families Employer, we are actively building an environment that supports inclusion, flexibility and belonging for all colleagues. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our application and interview process; please let us know if you require any.
HR Consultant - Employee Relations Focus in Kings Hill employer: Commercial Services
Contact Detail:
Commercial Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Consultant - Employee Relations Focus in Kings Hill
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field, especially those who work in employee relations. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common HR scenarios. Think about how you’d handle tricky employee relations situations and be ready to share your thought process. This shows you’re not just knowledgeable but also practical!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a nice touch that can set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Check out our website for the latest job openings! We’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in employee relations. Apply directly through us for a smoother process!
We think you need these skills to ace HR Consultant - Employee Relations Focus in Kings Hill
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in employee relations. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role is all about building relationships, let your communication skills shine through in your application. Use clear, concise language and make sure your personality comes across – we love a bit of character!
Be Honest About Your Experience: You don’t need to tick every box! If you have strong practical ER experience, that’s what matters most to us. Be upfront about your strengths and areas for growth; we appreciate authenticity.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands, and it helps us keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Commercial Services
✨Know Your Employee Relations Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of employee relations casework. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated complex situations. This will show that you not only understand the theory but can apply it in real-world scenarios.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Since this role is all about building trusted relationships, practice your communication skills. During the interview, engage with your interviewers by asking thoughtful questions and showing genuine interest in their experiences. This will help you come across as personable and relatable.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share examples of how you've tackled tricky employee relations issues in the past. Highlight your proactive approach and resilience in finding solutions. This will demonstrate that you're not just reactive but can think critically and strategically in challenging situations.
✨Show Your Passion for Public Service
Since the company values social impact, express your enthusiasm for working in a role that supports public services. Share why you believe employee relations is crucial for creating positive outcomes in schools and how you can contribute to that mission.