Employee Relations Lead

Reference: 4844849Job ID: 5424565Posted: 2026-11-11Closing date: 2027-02-10Location: LondonSalary: 60k - 63k (per annum)Job type: PermanentWorking pattern: Full timeIndustry: Government & Public Services / HR GeneralistCompany: HaysConsultant: Isabelle VyeHays office: London-Central — 4th Floor, 107 Cheapside,Phone: 02072598745Email: Isabelle.Vye@hays.comHays are recruiting an experienced Employee Relations Partner to join a high-profile Central Government organisation on a temporary basis.This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in setting up and establishing a new Employee Relations function, helping shape the ER approach, processes and ways of working across the organisation.Alongside leading on complex and high-risk employee relations matters, you’ll lead two People Advisors, build ER capability and work closely with senior leaders, People Business Partners and trade unions.The roleYou will:Play a key role in setting up and embedding a new ER function, establishing effective processes and ways of working.Lead and support two People Advisors, providing coaching, direction and ER expertise.Lead and oversee a portfolio of complex ER casework, including conduct, grievance, performance and attendance matters.Provide specialist advice and constructive challenge to managers and People colleagues on sensitive and high-risk cases. Work closely with senior stakeholders, trade unions and legal advisers to manage risk and achieve fair, proportionate outcomes. Promote early intervention and informal resolution where appropriate.Identify themes and trends from casework and use these insights to improve ER policies, processes and the wider service. Help build ER capability across the organisation, supporting managers to confidently navigate employee relations issues.About youWe’re looking for an experienced ER professional who can combine hands-on case management with leadership and building a new function.You’ll ideally bring:Significant experience managing complex and high-risk ER casework.Strong knowledge of disciplinary/conduct, grievance, performance and attendance matters.Experience leading, coaching or developing HR/People professionals.Confidence operating with senior stakeholders and providing pragmatic ER advice.Experience working with trade unions and within a unionised environment.Strong employment law knowledge and the ability to balance organisational and employee risk.Experience improving ER processes, policies or ways of working.CIPD Level 7 or equivalent professional experience. Previous experience within Central Government, the wider public sector or another large, complex and unionised organisation would be particularly valuable.Why apply?This is more than a traditional ER casework role. You’ll have the opportunity to help establish a new ER function from the ground up, lead a small team and influence how employee relations is delivered across a complex Central Government environment. #4844849 - Isabelle Vye