At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage employee relations and absence management while providing expert advice to line managers.
- Company: Join CooperVision, a leading manufacturer of soft contact lenses with a global presence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, 25 days holiday, wellness perks, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid work arrangement with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee relations in a diverse and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in employee relations and a degree or CIPD qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Overview
Department: Human Resources
Location: Hamble, Southampton, Hampshire
Working Hours: Mon‑Fri, 37.5 hours per week (Hybrid)
About CooperVision
CooperVision is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of soft contact lenses with a presence in over 100 countries. Being part of CooperVision means helping improve the way people see each day. It’s more than making contact lenses – it’s about giving lens wearers freedom and confidence to move about their daily lives.
Job Summary
As an Employee Relations Specialist, you will oversee and manage Employee Relations activities and Absence Management throughout UK Operations & Commercial business groups, within a shared service environment. You will track and manage all cases, provide high‑level advice and guidance, and partner with HR colleagues, line managers, and legal advisors to deliver a legally compliant and consistent best‑practice approach. This position reports into the Senior Manager, Employee Relations.
Essential Functions & Accountabilities
- Act as the first point of contact for line managers on employee relations matters, providing specialist advice and solutions in line with current legislation. This will include disciplinary, grievances, investigations, and performance capability.
- Work closely with line managers to ensure they understand and comply with policies, procedures and best practice.
- Liaise with external solicitors on complex ER cases and manage employment tribunal claims as required.
- Develop the capacity of line managers to manage ER problems, fostering positive working relationships and minimizing line‑management issues.
- Partner with the business and HR representatives to manage a positive, best‑practice employee relations program for UK Operations & Commercial groups.
- Collaborate with HR Business Partners, HR Managers and HR Directors on projects and initiatives.
- Oversee absence management across Operations & Commercial to reduce absence levels.
- Review and update employee relations policies and procedures.
- Track, analyse and interpret ER metrics to provide insights on trends and opportunities.
- Work flexibly across the region, supporting colleagues on projects and activities.
Travel Requirements
The role is based in UK Operations at multiple sites – Hamble, Eastleigh and Chandlers Ford – and the Commercial business group at Delta Park, Fareham, Hampshire. Local travel across Hampshire is necessary; infrequent travel outside the UK may also be required.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Project management, teamwork, results orientation, departmental impact and self‑awareness.
- Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Experience with HR information systems (Oracle, HCM advantageous).
- Excellent communicator, highly organised with experience supporting a high volume of ER cases.
- Experience in organisational change and restructuring programmes including redundancy and contractual variations.
- Well‑developed influencing skills to liaise with management at varying levels.
- Pragmatic problem‑solving capabilities.
- Knowledge of UK employment legislation.
- Articulate oral and written communication.
- High attention to detail with strong time‑management skills.
- Ability to coach, provide direction and convey difficult information.
- Highly motivated, self‑starter and responsible.
- Ability to build and develop relationships with stakeholders.
Work Environment
Office environment with a hybrid arrangement (2/3 days a week at home; 5 days in Spring 2026). Flexible hours to accommodate 24/7 shift patterns. Willingness to enter a cleanroom environment when needed. Prolonged use of PC, laptop, display screens and mobile phone.
Experience & Education
- Detailed ER experience advising on complex disciplinary and grievance issues.
- Confidence in conveying difficult or challenging information.
- Degree level education; CIPD qualified (Level 5 minimum) or similar professional qualification.
What We Offer
Competitive compensation and a fantastic benefits package including 25 days holiday, pension scheme, access to our Wellness Platform, a discounted contact lens scheme and more. We are committed to our employees’ personal and professional development, offering extensive training and access to LinkedIn Learning to support career growth.
What You Can Expect
As a CooperVision employee, you’ll be welcomed into a diverse and progressive global business that values an inclusive culture. Your different perspectives will add value and contribute to our success.
Equal Opportunity
All suitably qualified applicants will receive equal consideration and opportunities from CooperVision.
Apply
Please view our careers page at https://hcjy.fa.us2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1 to view all other opportunities.
Seniority Level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type: Full‑time
Job Function: Human Resources
Industry: Medical Equipment Manufacturing
Employee Relations Specialist in Fareham employer: CooperVision
CooperVision is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its employees, offering a competitive benefits package including 25 days of holiday, a pension scheme, and access to wellness resources. With a strong commitment to personal and professional development, employees can take advantage of extensive training opportunities and LinkedIn Learning to advance their careers. Located in the vibrant area of Hamble, Southampton, CooperVision fosters a diverse and inclusive work culture where every voice is valued, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Specialist in Fareham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at CooperVision on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on UK employment legislation and common ER scenarios. We want you to show off your knowledge and problem-solving skills, so think of examples from your past experience that highlight your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As an Employee Relations Specialist, you'll need to convey complex information clearly. Grab a friend or family member and run through some mock interviews to get comfortable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the CooperVision team and ready to make a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Specialist in Fareham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Employee Relations Specialist role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially your knowledge of UK employment legislation and your ability to manage ER cases.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully handled employee relations issues in the past and how you can contribute to our positive working environment.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As an Employee Relations Specialist, strong communication is key. Make sure your application reflects your articulate writing style and attention to detail. This will give us a taste of how you’ll communicate with line managers and colleagues.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our careers page. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you can check out other opportunities while you’re there!
How to prepare for a job interview at CooperVision
✨Know Your Employee Relations Stuff
Make sure you brush up on UK employment legislation and best practices in employee relations. Familiarise yourself with common issues like disciplinary actions, grievances, and absence management. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're the right fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an Employee Relations Specialist, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully navigated difficult conversations or resolved conflicts in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to handle sensitive situations with tact and professionalism.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Metrics
Since tracking and analysing ER metrics is part of the job, be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform decisions in previous roles. Think about specific examples where your insights led to improvements in employee relations or absence management.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the company's approach to employee relations, how they measure success in this area, or what challenges they currently face. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
