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, generous holidays, and discounts at high-street retailers.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing company while developing your HR expertise.
- Qualifications: Strong ER experience, excellent communication skills, 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.
Seniority level: Associate
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Human Resources
Industries: Hospitality
Employee Relations Lead in England 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 in England
✨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 practising common ER scenarios. Think about how you'd handle grievances or investigations, and be ready to share your experiences. We want to see your expertise shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your coaching skills! During interviews, highlight times you've trained or uplifted others. GAIL's values development, so let them know how you can help managers grow.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the GAIL's team. Let's get you that role!
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Lead in England
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 and skills that match what we’re looking for at GAIL's. This shows us you’re genuinely interested and have done your homework!
Showcase Your ER Expertise:In your application, don’t shy away from detailing your experience with complex ER cases. We want to see how you’ve handled grievances, disciplinaries, and investigations in the past. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at GAIL's
✨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 in previous roles.
✨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 attention to detail. Bring examples of how you've managed documentation and processes effectively in the past. Showing that you can keep things on track will be a big plus!
