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- Tasks: Lead strategic employee relations initiatives and manage complex change programmes.
- Company: High-profile organisation in Ipswich with a focus on workplace culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days leave, hybrid working, and comprehensive benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity for career development and travel subsistence for remote applicants.
- Why this job: Shape workplace culture and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in employee relations, change management, and UK employment law.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Your new role
Hays is proud to partner with a high-profile and rapidly evolving organisation in Ipswich to recruit an experienced Employee Relations Manager. This is a unique opportunity to shape workplace culture, lead strategic change, and build trusted relationships across a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.
You\’ll play a pivotal role in delivering a consistent and effective HR service, supporting senior leaders and line managers through a wide range of employee relations and operational change activities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead a team and deliver strategic ER initiatives
- Lead and manage complex change programmes, including restructures, mobilisations, and performance management
- Coach and advise senior stakeholders on ER matters, ensuring compliance and minimising risk
- Build strong relationships with unions, managers, and employees to foster a positive employee experience
- Promote continuous improvement and consistency in ER case handling
- Lead on tribunal cases, whistleblowing investigations, and compliance matters
What you\’ll need to succeed
- A solid track record in employee relations and change management
- Proven ability to lead, inspire, and develop high-performing teams
- Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and ER frameworks
- Excellent communication, coaching, and stakeholder management skills
- Strategic thinker with a collaborative, pragmatic, and solutions-focused approach
- Experience working in complex, fast-paced environments with multiple stakeholders
What you\’ll get in return
A competitive reward package, including 25 days of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, 10% bonus potential, and the option of a company car or car allowance. The organisation embraces hybrid working, with three days on-site each week, and provides a comprehensive benefits offering designed to support your wellbeing and career development. Travel subsistence will also be considered for applicants based outside the local area.
Please contact Louisa London, Senior HR Recruitment for East Anglia and Essex for more information about this exciting opportunity!
Desired Skills and Experience
employee relations, change management, TUPE, employment law, CIPD
Hays EA is a trading division of Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited and acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C\’s, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk
ER Manager employer: Hays
Contact Detail:
Hays Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land ER Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field, especially those who have experience in employee relations. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and recent changes in their employee relations strategies. This will help us tailor our responses and show that we’re genuinely interested in shaping their workplace.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to change management and employee relations. We can role-play with a friend or use online resources to refine our answers and boost our confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we often have exclusive roles listed there that you won’t find anywhere else.
We think you need these skills to ace ER Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the ER Manager role. Highlight your experience in employee relations and change management, and don’t forget to showcase your knowledge of UK employment law. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've led teams and managed complex change programmes. We love a good story that shows your impact!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As an ER Manager, strong communication is key. In your application, demonstrate your ability to coach and advise stakeholders effectively. Use clear and concise language to show us you can handle complex conversations with ease.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your ER Fundamentals
Brush up on your knowledge of UK employment law and employee relations frameworks. Be ready to discuss how these laws apply to real-world scenarios, especially in complex environments. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can also apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Change Management Skills
Prepare specific examples of past experiences where you've successfully led change programmes or managed restructures. Highlight your strategic thinking and how you navigated challenges while keeping stakeholders engaged. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Since relationship-building is key in this role, practice establishing a connection with your interviewers. Use active listening and ask insightful questions about their current ER initiatives. This will not only make you memorable but also show your genuine interest in fostering positive relationships.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in employee relations. Think through potential situations involving unions, performance management, or compliance issues, and prepare your responses. This will help you articulate your thought process and solutions effectively during the interview.