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- Tasks: Lead a team to deliver expert Employee Relations support across various business functions.
- Company: Join a dynamic organisation focused on shaping a positive workplace culture for 3,000 employees.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee wellbeing and workplace culture while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in managing complex ER issues and knowledge of UK employment law required.
- Other info: Position starts in July 2025; minimal travel involved.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: Hampshire, United Kingdom - Role is on-site.
Full-Time | 12mths FTC or Interim Contract
Are you a strategic HR leader with a passion for Employee Relations and a drive to shape a positive workplace culture? We’re looking for a Senior Manager – Employee Relations to lead a specialist team and deliver a high-impact ER service across a diverse UK workforce.
About the Role
This is a key leadership position responsible for delivering expert Employee Relations support to People Leaders across commercial, manufacturing, packaging, and distribution functions. You’ll lead a team of ER professionals, ensuring consistent, high-quality advice and support for around 3,000 employees.
Key Accountabilities
- Lead and evolve the ER service model across the UK, ensuring it meets the needs of different business areas and stakeholder groups.
- Develop and maintain ER toolkits, processes, and guidance to empower line managers to handle people matters confidently and effectively.
- Coach and support your team to act as subject matter experts, ensuring their knowledge of employment law and best practice remains current.
- Act as the escalation point for complex or sensitive ER cases, including those involving senior leaders.
- Champion wellbeing initiatives, promoting a culture of safety, engagement, and positive mental health.
- Analyse ER data and trends to inform decision-making and identify areas for improvement or innovation.
- Collaborate with senior HR leaders to shape broader people strategies and contribute to the evolution of the HR service model.
- Chair governance forums to ensure ER practices are consistent, compliant, and aligned with organisational values.
- Drive continuous improvement by benchmarking against external best practice and incorporating feedback from across the business.
What We’re Looking For
- A strong track record of managing complex ER issues in a fast-paced, commercial environment.
- In-depth knowledge of UK employment law and case law.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.
- A pragmatic, commercially aware approach to risk and resolution.
- Experience working in a matrix organisation and leading through change.
- A passion for proactive ER and enabling line managers to succeed.
Travel: Minimal UK travel required (approximately 5% annually).
Contact Detail:
HR Heads Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest UK employment law and case law, as this role requires in-depth knowledge. Consider attending workshops or webinars to stay updated, which will not only enhance your understanding but also demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Employee Relations professionals to gain insights into the challenges they face and how they overcome them. This can provide you with valuable perspectives that you can discuss during interviews, showcasing your proactive approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've managed complex ER issues in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, highlighting your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter's company culture and values thoroughly. Be ready to articulate how your personal values align with ours, especially regarding wellbeing initiatives and fostering a positive workplace culture, as this will resonate well with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in managing complex Employee Relations issues. Use specific examples that demonstrate your knowledge of UK employment law and your ability to lead teams effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for Employee Relations and how you can contribute to shaping a positive workplace culture. Mention your strategic HR leadership experience and your approach to coaching and supporting teams.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: When detailing your work history, focus on achievements that align with the key accountabilities of the role. For instance, discuss any initiatives you've led that improved ER practices or enhanced employee wellbeing.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is crucial for this role, ensure your application reflects your stakeholder management skills. Use clear and concise language, and consider including examples of successful collaborations with senior leaders.
How to prepare for a job interview at HR Heads
✨Showcase Your ER Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with complex Employee Relations issues. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully navigated challenges, demonstrating your in-depth knowledge of UK employment law and best practices.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Senior Manager, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Share instances where you've coached or developed team members, showcasing your ability to foster a high-performing environment and support others in their professional growth.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Excellent communication is key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing sensitive topics. Be ready to explain how you would handle stakeholder management and ensure alignment with organisational values.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Discuss your approach to analysing ER data and trends. Be prepared to share ideas on how you would drive continuous improvement within the ER service model, including how you would benchmark against external best practices.
