At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead employee relations, manage complex cases, and coach managers for better people decisions.
- Company: Join GAIL's, a vibrant bakery chain with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy free food, generous holiday, discounts, and development programmes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee relations while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Strong ER expertise and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The ER Lead will own holistic case management across GAIL's, providing expert advice to Operations Managers, Bakery Managers, Support Office Managers and People Partners. You will also support or play an active role yourself in various ER processes. You will be instrumental in ensuring we maintain a fair, transparent, and legally compliant approach across all ER matters as well as improving the capability of the Operations Teams and Bakery Managers across GAIL's to make better people-related decisions and work more independently as we grow to >300 bakeries.
Working closely with the 3 regionally aligned People Partners (London, North & South), you will agree robust and efficient ways of working, provide admin support, be a trusted confidant, ensure ER related letters and communication are sent correctly and on time, produce evidence packs, ensure investigative processes are thorough and robust, as well as provide training to line managers and our network of ER Champions across the UK.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
- Be the trusted ER expert for People Partners and managers, offering clear, commercial advice.
- Lead complex ER cases (grievances, disciplinaries, investigations, performance, sickness and conflict) from start to finish.
- Coach Chairs through formal hearings and ensure fair, consistent and legally sound outcomes.
- Own ER governance: trackers, monthly reporting, case documentation, policy consistency and letter sign-off.
- Manage ACAS and Employment Tribunal cases, working closely with our external solicitor.
- Train and uplift manager capability through workshops, ER champions and ongoing coaching.
- Lead DSAR responses and support with data accuracy, compliance and record keeping.
- Drive improvements in policy, process and ways of working using insights from case trends.
- Partner with L&D, Talent, Payroll, People Services and Operations to ensure a joined-up, inclusive people experience.
- Champion our values, calling out poor behaviour and modelling excellence in how we treat people.
WHAT YOU WILL BRING
- Strong ER expertise and experience handling complex, high-risk cases confidently.
- Excellent judgment, communication, and the ability to balance risk with pragmatism.
- A coaching mindset and passion for developing manager capability.
- Ability to stay calm, fair and objective when dealing with sensitive issues.
- Strong organisation skills and a love for process, accuracy and great documentation.
- A visible, approachable style that builds trust across all levels.
BENEFITS BAKED IN
- Free food and drink when working
- 50% off food and drink when not working
- 33 days holiday
- Pension Scheme
- Discounts and Savings from high-street retailers and restaurants
- 24 hour GP service
- Cycle to work scheme
- Twice yearly pay review
- Development programmes for you to RISE with GAIL's
Employee Relations Lead NEW GAIL\'s Support Office Competitive Camden, London Support Team employer: GAIL's Bread
Contact Detail:
GAIL's Bread Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Lead NEW GAIL\'s Support Office Competitive Camden, London Support Team
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at GAIL's through LinkedIn or other platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the ER Lead role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your ER knowledge. Be ready to discuss complex cases you've handled and how you can bring that expertise to GAIL's. We want to see your passion for developing manager capability!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your coaching skills! Think of examples where you've uplifted others' capabilities. GAIL's values a coaching mindset, so make sure to highlight your experience in training and supporting managers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of the GAIL's team.
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Lead NEW GAIL\'s Support Office Competitive Camden, London Support Team
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Employee Relations Lead role. Highlight your relevant experience in handling complex ER cases and any coaching or training you've provided. 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 GAIL's mission. Be sure to mention specific examples of your past successes in similar roles.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As an ER Lead, communication is key. In your application, demonstrate your ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively. Whether it’s through your CV, cover letter, or any additional documents, let your communication skills shine!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the GAIL's team!
How to prepare for a job interview at GAIL's Bread
✨Know Your ER Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your employee relations knowledge. Understand the key processes like grievances, disciplinaries, and investigations. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're the expert they need.
✨Showcase Your Coaching Skills
Since the role involves training and uplifting manager capability, be ready to share examples of how you've coached others in the past. Highlight your passion for developing people and how you've made a positive impact.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that test your judgment and decision-making skills. Think about how you would handle complex cases and be ready to explain your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
This role requires strong organisation and documentation skills. Bring examples of how you've managed case documentation or improved processes in previous roles. Show them you can keep everything on track and compliant!