Employee Relations Manager in Kettering

Remote 6 months FTC, 22 hours over 3 days, £45,000-£52,000 (Pro rata). Must be available to start work no later than w/c 28th September.

We are particularly interested in candidates with previous Civil Service / DCMS experience involving employment tribunals. HR Recruit is partnering with an SME to recruit an experienced ER Advisor / ER Manager on a 6-month fixed-term contract, with the potential for extension. This is a remote role, working 22 hours per week over 3 days, supporting the organisation with the effective management and coordination of employment tribunal casework.

About the Role

The successful candidate will take ownership of the organisation's employment tribunal caseload, ensuring cases are effectively coordinated and progressed from initial claim through to conclusion. Working closely with the Head of People and Culture, managers, legal representatives and other stakeholders, you will provide robust case management support, ensuring tribunal matters are handled professionally, accurately and within required legal and organisational timescales. A key focus of the role will be maintaining strong governance across the tribunal caseload, coordinating case documentation and evidence, monitoring deadlines and hearings, and providing clear reporting on case progress, risks and outcomes. Experience of working within a DCMS or wider Civil Service environment in relation to tribunal casework would be a significant advantage.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate a portfolio of Employment Tribunal claims from receipt through to conclusion.
• Monitor tribunal deadlines, hearings, submissions, witness requirements and other key case milestones, ensuring actions are completed within required timescales.
• Coordinate the collection of relevant evidence and documentation from managers, People teams and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Support the preparation of tribunal materials, including witness statements, bundles, chronologies, case files and correspondence.
• Maintain accurate case records, trackers, databases and document repositories, ensuring appropriate governance and audit trails.
• Act as a key point of contact for tribunal-related activity, working effectively with managers, legal representatives, trade unions, government bodies and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate and support case review meetings, legal briefings and tribunal preparation sessions, ensuring actions and follow-ups are clearly documented.
• Prepare case summaries, management information and regular reports for senior stakeholders.
• Monitor and report on caseload activity, case outcomes, risks, trends and associated costs.
• Identify recurring themes and lessons learned from tribunal cases and contribute to improvements in employee relations processes and case management.
• Build effective relationships across the organisation to support a consistent, professional and well-governed approach to employment disputes.

Essential Experience & Knowledge

• Significant hands-on experience managing Employment Tribunal cases, ideally across multiple cases simultaneously.
• Strong knowledge of Employment Tribunal processes and rules, ACAS procedures and UK employment legislation.
• Experience preparing tribunal documentation, including witness statements and hearing bundles.
• Experience working within an HR, Employee Relations, legal, tribunal or professional services environment.
• Strong understanding of employee relations processes, HR practices and case management.
• Experience liaising confidently with a range of stakeholders, including legal professionals, managers, trade unions and government bodies.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy when handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to produce clear case summaries, reports and briefing materials for senior and external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, work to deadlines and remain effective under pressure.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a wider team.
• Resilient, adaptable and comfortable working in a changing environment.

Highly Desirable

• DCMS / Civil Service Tribunal Experience. Candidates with direct experience of Civil Service tribunal processes, governance, case management or working alongside government legal teams are particularly encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• CIPD Level 5, or equivalent relevant experience gained through significant hands-on tribunal and employee relations casework.

In return you will receive a salary of between £45,000-£52,000 per annum (FTE) plus excellent benefits and holidays. The role would be suited to an experienced HR Manager, HR Advisor, ER Advisor or ER Manager looking for a remote role. The salary banding advertised is a guideline, the remuneration offered will be commensurate upon experience.