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 focus on people and culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy free food, 50% off when off-duty, 33 days holiday, and a pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing company while developing your HR expertise.
- Qualifications: Strong ER experience, excellent communication, and a passion for coaching.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Employee Relations Lead role at GAIL's. 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.
- 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 holidays.
- 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 employer: GAIL's
GAIL’s is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and supportive work culture in the Kent area, where Bakery Managers are empowered to lead and inspire their teams. With a strong focus on employee well-being and development, we offer a range of benefits including generous holiday allowances, health and wellness programmes, and opportunities for personal growth through our RISE development initiatives. Join us to be part of a community that values positivity, teamwork, and meaningful contributions to both our staff and the local neighbourhood.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at GAIL's on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research GAIL's values and recent news. Show us you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about the company.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a mate to do a mock interview with you. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and boost your confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, drop a quick thank-you email to your interviewer. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Employee Relations Lead role. Highlight your relevant experience in handling complex ER cases and your ability to provide clear, commercial advice. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Showcase Your Expertise:Don’t hold back on showcasing your ER expertise! Include specific examples of how you've managed grievances, disciplinaries, or investigations in the past. This will help us see your confidence and capability in dealing with high-risk cases.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to understand your qualifications and experiences.
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 gives you a chance to explore more about GAIL's and our values!
How to prepare for a job interview at GAIL's
✨Know Your ER Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your employee relations knowledge, especially around complex cases like grievances and disciplinaries. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed these situations.
✨Showcase Your Coaching Skills
Since the role involves training and uplifting manager capability, think of instances where you've coached others. Prepare to share how you’ve helped managers improve their decision-making skills and how you approach coaching in a supportive way.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical ER situations. Practice how you would handle various scenarios, focusing on maintaining fairness and compliance while also being pragmatic. This will show your ability to balance risk with sound judgment.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
The role requires strong organisation and documentation skills. Bring examples of how you've managed case documentation or improved processes in previous roles. Highlight your attention to detail and how it contributes to effective ER governance.
