At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert HR advice and manage diverse client casework in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a friendly, reputable outsourced HR company with a focus on personalised support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, life assurance, pension, generous holiday, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Supportive team culture with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local businesses while enjoying variety and autonomy in your role.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 qualified with 3+ years in HR or ER advisory roles.
The Role
This is a fantastic opportunity for an Employee Relations specialist.
Working within an established, reputable and friendly outsourced HR Company, you will work with a diverse portfolio of clients, providing expert tailored advice and managing a wide range of HR casework.
No two days are the same, and you’ll enjoy the variety and autonomy that comes with consultancy work.
Key Responsibilities
- Be the go‑to HR expert for clients, offering clear, confident advice across all HR matters.
- Stay ahead of employment law changes and best practice to keep clients protected and informed.
Take ownership of complex ER cases — from investigations to outcomes — and guide clients every step of the way.
- Lead disciplinary, grievance, redundancy and TUPE processes with professionalism and pace.
- Create polished, compliant HR documents including contracts, handbooks and policies.
- Support clients through restructures, culture projects and statutory reporting.
- Strengthen client relationships through regular check‑ins and proactive support.
- Keep accurate records of all advice and casework.
- Spot opportunities to grow the client base through networking and relationship‑building.
- Deliver engaging HR training sessions and help shape new learning content when needed.
About You
We’re looking for someone who is confident, commercially aware and thrives in a fast‑paced environment.
You’ll be comfortable juggling multiple clients and cases and you’ll bring a calm, professional approach to even the most challenging ER situations and be able to influence at all levels.
Essential Skills & Experience
- CIPD Level 5 qualified (or equivalent).
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in a generalist HR or ER advisory role.
- Strong experience managing complex ER issues and casework.
- Excellent working knowledge of UK employment law.
- Confident communicator at all levels, both written and verbal.
- Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
- Able to work with multiple clients simultaneously.
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office.
- Customer‑focused and commercially aware, with an understanding of SME needs.
- Full driving licence.
About Us
The HR Dept provides outsourced HR services to small and medium-sized businesses offering practical, commercial and hands‑on HR expertise.
As a growing franchise consultancy, we pride ourselves on delivering high‑quality, personalised HR support that makes a real difference to our clients.
To support our continued expansion, we are looking for an experienced and confident Senior Employee Relations Consultant to join our friendly team.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary of £45k - £52k per annum (pro rata for part‑time)
- Life assurance
- NEST pension
- Company sick pay
- 23 days holiday plus your birthday off, plus BH
- Supportive team environment with opportunities to grow and develop
- Flexibility to work one day per week from home
Interested?
If you’re an experienced HR professional who loves Employee Relations and enjoys variety, autonomy and client interaction, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today and join a growing consultancy making a real impact for local businesses
Senior Employee Relations Consultant in Reading employer: HR Dept (Recruitment Agency)
The HR Dept is an excellent employer for those seeking a dynamic and rewarding role in Employee Relations. With a supportive team culture, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth, employees enjoy the flexibility of working from home one day a week while making a tangible impact on local businesses. Join us to thrive in a fast-paced environment where your expertise is valued and every day brings new challenges.
Contact Details:
HR Dept (Recruitment Agency) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Employee Relations Consultant in Reading
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Employee Relations Consultant in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
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How to prepare for a job interview at HR Dept (Recruitment Agency)
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