Employee Relations Manager

Senior Manager – Employee Relations

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.
• Ability to start in July 2025

✈️ Travel Minimal UK travel required (approximately 5% annually).