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
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at GAIL's!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at GAIL's.
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Lead in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at GAIL's. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to GAIL's and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at GAIL's. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to GAIL's's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at GAIL's
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with GAIL's.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at GAIL's will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact GAIL's and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
