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- Tasks: Lead employee relations strategy and advise on complex issues across the UK and Ireland.
- Company: FIRST is a top global brand experience agency with a strong reputation in various industries.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, generous leave, wellness stipends, and global project opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while building influential relationships.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 or equivalent HR certification and 5-7 years of relevant experience required.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equal opportunity and a harassment-free workplace.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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12-month fixed-term contract, with the possibility of becoming a permanent position
Building a Brand Starts with a Story
FIRST is a leading global brand experience agency serving clients in various industries, including financial services, technology, new & traditional media, aerospace, healthcare, and professional services. FIRST has received numerous accolades, including being listed among the 2025 Most Innovative Marketing Agencies of the Year by Chief Marketer, named Top Agency of the Year 2024 by Event Marketer, highlighted as a Global Agency of the Year, over 100 Employees by C&IT, and listed among the \”200 Top Marketing Agencies\” in 2024, 2023, & 2022 by Chief Marketer.
Learn more at You Would Get To Do
As the Senior Employee Relations Manager , you would step into a pivotal strategic role, advising senior stakeholders and business partners on complex employee relations matters across the UK and Ireland with opportunities to contribute across EMEA and globally. You\’d be the go-to expert for high impact, high-risk cases, guiding decision making, minimising legal risk, and influencing business outcomes.
You\’d lead on shaping ER strategy, proactively navigating legal and regulatory changes, and ensuring our policies are fit for the future. Working closely with Legal, Business Partners, and L&D teams, you\’d help build out training, update practices, and serve as a trusted advisor and escalation point across the business.
This role would allow you to make a tangible impact in a fast moving, complex organisation, using your expertise to craft tailored, practical solutions and drive meaningful change while building strong, influential relationships across multiple levels.
Your Contributions
- Act as the point of contact for complex and high-risk employee relations issues, including complex grievances, disciplinaries, and workplace disputes; collaborate with legal counsel to develop case strategy and supporting evidence.
- Provide expert advice and support to managers and senior leaders on managing employee conduct, underperformance, and conflict resolution.
- Ensure effective resolution of disputes through mediation and negotiation, minimizing financial and reputational risk to the business.
- Act as an escalation point on consultations, restructures, redundancies, and TUPE.
- Lead the strategic development and implementation of ER frameworks, ensuring alignment with business objectives and UK and Ireland employment law.
- Identify trends and root causes of employee relations issues, recommending and implementing preventative strategies.
- Proactively review ER policies and practices in line with changes to UK and Ireland employment law and evolving workplace trends. Partner with the People Operations team on required updates.
- Collaborate with the L&D team on the development of training for managers and P&C teams on new policies, ensuring consistent application across the organisation.
- Conduct regular audits to ensure ER processes comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
- Partner with internal and external legal advisors to stay informed of employment law developments and their impact on business operations.
- Develop toolkits and resources to empower managers to address ER matters confidently and consistently.
- Act as a mentor and coach to the P&C team, fostering a strong ER capability within the organisation.
- Act as a strategic partner to senior leadership, providing expert insights on complex employee relations matters.
- Advise on the ER implications of organisational changes.
What We Are Looking For
- CIPD qualification (Level 7) or equivalent level HR certification preferred
- Robust experience in an ER or senior HR advisory role supporting the UK and Ireland, with a strong focus on complex case management and tribunal experience.
- Experience working in a global organisation within the hospitality/entertainment/production industry is preferred.
- 5-7 years experience preferred.
- Proven track record of managing high-risk ER cases and providing strategic ER advice to senior leadership.
- Experience in developing and implementing ER frameworks and influencing organizational policy at a senior level.
- Expert knowledge of UK and Ireland employment law and its practical application.
Benefits
At FIRST, we believe that our success is driven by the passion, creativity, and commitment of our teams. That\’s why we offer a range of benefits and perks to support your personal and professional growth:
- Private Medical Insurance with BUPA from day one
- 28 Days Annual Leave PLUS Bank Holidays
- Personal Volunteer Day
- 20 Days of Sick Pay each Year
- Enhanced Parental Leave (Maternity & Paternity)
- Wellness Stipend
- Complimentary access to Headspace, Rocket Lawyer & Maven
- Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Season Ticket Loan
- Mobile Phone Allowance
- Pension Scheme Enhancements
- Discretionary Bonus Structure
- Global Opportunities: With a presence in 7 countries worldwide including headquarters in London, New York, and Singapore, you may have the opportunity to work on exciting projects across different locations.
FIRST is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. FIRST is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We stand firm: FIRST will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. If any candidate feels that they are unable to meet the requirements of the role, please get in touch to discuss adjustments or other suitable roles.
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Senior Employee Relations Manager employer: FIRST
Contact Detail:
FIRST Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Employee Relations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the employee relations field, especially those who have experience in global organisations. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in employee relations.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and legal frameworks of employee relations in the UK and Ireland. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the role's requirements.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss real-life scenarios where you've successfully managed complex employee relations cases. Highlight your strategic thinking and how your actions positively influenced business outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Research FIRST as a company, including their values, culture, and recent projects. Tailoring your conversation to align with their mission will show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Employee Relations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in employee relations and HR advisory roles. Focus on your achievements in managing complex cases and your understanding of UK and Ireland employment law.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you are passionate about the role and how your background aligns with FIRST's needs. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to handle high-risk employee relations issues.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Clearly state your CIPD qualification or equivalent HR certification in your application. Emphasise any additional training or certifications that relate to employee relations and legal compliance.
Highlight Strategic Contributions: Discuss your experience in developing and implementing ER frameworks and how you've influenced organisational policy. Use examples to illustrate your strategic thinking and ability to drive meaningful change.
How to prepare for a job interview at FIRST
✨Know Your Employment Law
As a Senior Employee Relations Manager, you'll need to demonstrate a strong understanding of UK and Ireland employment law. Brush up on recent changes and be prepared to discuss how these laws impact employee relations strategies.
✨Prepare for Complex Scenarios
Expect to be asked about your experience with high-risk employee relations cases. Prepare specific examples that showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to navigate complex grievances or disputes.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
This role requires a strategic mindset. Be ready to discuss how you've previously developed and implemented ER frameworks, and how you can align them with business objectives while minimising legal risks.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your ability to build strong relationships across various levels of an organisation. Share examples of how you've collaborated with senior leadership and other departments to drive meaningful change in employee relations.
