At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex employee relations cases and provide expert guidance during organisational changes.
- Company: Join a leading telecommunications company with a focus on employee relations.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, hybrid working, and potential for contract extension.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence senior stakeholders and enhance the employee experience.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by advising on sensitive employee matters in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in employee relations and strong knowledge of UK employment law.
The predicted salary is between 78000 - 78000 £ per year.
Join a leading telecommunications company as an Employee Relations Lead, supporting the delivery of expert employee relations guidance during a key period of organisational transition. As an Employee Relations Lead, you will act as a trusted advisor on a broad range of employee relations matters, working autonomously to handle escalated and high-risk cases while building strong relationships with senior stakeholders across the organisation. The successful candidate will be comfortable operating in ambiguity, bringing a pragmatic approach and the confidence to add value from day one.
Contract Details
- Day Rate: £600 per day (inside IR35)
- Contract Length: Until January 2027 (with visibility to extend)
- Location: Newbury (hybrid – twice per week on-site)
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage complex employee relations cases, providing expert guidance on disciplinary, grievance, performance management and redundancy matters.
- Advise on settlement agreements and contractual exits, ensuring compliance with UK employment legislation and company policies.
- Partner with HR Business Partners, Centres of Excellence and business leaders to deliver effective ER solutions.
- Build credible relationships with senior stakeholders, providing pragmatic advice on sensitive and high-risk employee matters.
- Support organisational change activity, restructures and consultation processes where required.
- Ensure accurate maintenance of ER systems, case documentation and employee records.
- Identify opportunities to improve ER processes, reduce risk and enhance the employee experience.
Key Requirements
- Proven experience in a specialist Employee Relations role, managing complex and high-risk ER cases independently.
- Strong expertise in UK employment law, including disciplinary, grievance, redundancy and settlement agreement processes.
- Demonstrable experience influencing and advising senior stakeholders at Head of HR, Director or equivalent level.
- Ability to work autonomously in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.
- Strong commercial judgement, resilience and the ability to assess and manage organisational risk effectively.
- CIPD Level 7 and/or relevant legal qualifications are desirable, but extensive senior-level ER experience is considered more important.
Start Date: ASAP
Employee Relations Lead in Newbury employer: Hays
Join a vibrant secondary school that prioritises excellence in education and fosters a supportive community for both students and staff. As the Head of Mathematics, you will benefit from a competitive salary, ongoing professional development opportunities, and a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and growth. This role not only allows you to lead a dedicated team but also to make a significant impact on student achievement in a welcoming environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Lead in Newbury
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies
Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.
✨Network at HR Events and Workshops
Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at Hays and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Lead in Newbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!
Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!
Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at Hays. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at Hays, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools
Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that Hays uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.
✨Your Motivation Matters
As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at Hays.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at Hays.
