At a Glance
- Tasks: Build strong relationships with managers, employees, and trade unions to enhance employee relations.
- Company: Join Heriot-Watt University, a leading institution with a commitment to equality and diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days of annual leave, plus additional bereavement days and competitive salary.
- Other info: Flexible working patterns available, promoting a culture of inclusion and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while supporting employee development and well-being.
- Qualifications: Experience in employee relations, strong communication skills, and a passion for people management.
The predicted salary is between 47389 - 58225 € per year.
An exciting opportunity to join Heriot-Watt University as our Employee Relations Manager. This role will build on strong relationships with managers and employees and also with our recognised trade unions and representatives leading on employee relations.
Location: Based in Edinburgh.
Salary: Grade 8 £47,389 - £58,225.
Reward and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 bereavement days for all full-time staff (part-time staff pro rata by FTE).
About Our School/Directorate And Team: The HR Directorate provides strategic and operational HR support and guidance across all international University campuses. It supports leaders, managers and employees through the full employee cycle—from recruitment and induction to career development, reward and recognition. HR colleagues are based in Edinburgh, Dubai and Malaysia and are organised around six divisions: Talent Acquisition.
Key Responsibilities:
- Demonstrable substantial professional expertise in employee relations and employment legislation best practice.
- People-management experience, including goal setting, coaching colleagues and operating in a matrix structure.
- Strong written communication skills with the ability to prepare papers and presentations.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Ability to work quickly, flexibly and accurately in a dynamic, changing and pressured environment.
- High-level project-management, planning and organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and function effectively under pressure.
- Employment law subject-matter expertise, knowledge and practical experience.
Desirable:
- Experience delivering major organisational change programmes as a senior Business Partner or ER lead.
- Professional qualification or membership of a professional body (e.g., CIPD).
- Experience working in Higher Education or a similar public-sector unionised environment.
Equalities and Diversity: Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to creating an environment where individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all. We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns (e.g., part-time working, job share options).
Employee Relations Manager employer: Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With generous benefits such as 33 days of annual leave and a commitment to equality and diversity, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while contributing to a dynamic educational environment in the heart of Edinburgh.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Heriot-Watt University on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the university's culture and values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their commitment to equality and diversity. We want to see that you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the team too!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As an Employee Relations Manager, you'll need to convey complex ideas clearly. Grab a friend and do some mock interviews to refine your delivery and boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Heriot-Watt family.
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Employee Relations Manager role. Highlight your experience in employee relations and any relevant qualifications, like your CIPD membership, to show us you’re the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong written communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear and professional. Use concise language and structure your documents well to demonstrate your ability to prepare papers and presentations.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to mention any experience you have in managing employee relations or working in a unionised environment. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs, especially if you've delivered major organisational change programmes.
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 Heriot-Watt University
✨Know Your Employee Relations Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of employee relations and employment legislation. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated complex employee issues or led change programmes.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
This role is all about building relationships, so be prepared to demonstrate your people-management experience. Think of instances where you've coached colleagues or set goals that led to positive outcomes. Highlight your customer service skills too!
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to employee relations. Practice how you would handle conflicts or negotiations with trade unions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
Given the dynamic nature of the role, be ready to discuss how you've thrived in pressured environments. Share examples of how you've prioritised tasks and managed projects effectively, especially during times of organisational change.
