Employee Relations Advisor

Employee Relations Advisor Bury, with travel to Kingsway and other Head Office locations.

Role Overview

Deliver a professional, proactive and flexible Employee Relations service by providing appropriate generalist advice and support to all colleagues. Drive best practice and ensure compliance with all company policies and procedures in line with employment legislation.

Responsibilities

• Provide practical and effective first‑line employee relations advice across the Group to Line Managers and colleagues covering Retail, Gyms, Supply Chain and Head Office. Includes timely and accurate advice on disciplinary, grievance, absence management and family‑friendly policies.
• Manage queries empathetically and communicate outcomes clearly to minimise appeals.
• Act as a team player with the wider People team by sharing knowledge and expertise.
• Support and coach Line Managers to manage and resolve employee relations matters to appropriate conclusions.
• Provide support to Line Managers and the wider People team during meetings.
• Maintain excellent working knowledge of up‑to‑date employment legislation, best practice and case law.
• Work autonomously and prioritise accordingly, with guidance and support from the People Leadership team where required.
• Use Occupational Health appropriately within employee relations casework and write referrals to OH Advisors.
• Communicate with and support the People Leadership team to ensure employee relations policies and procedures are fairly and proportionately applied, while identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Understand the Group’s statutory responsibilities.
• Maintain clear audit trails for all People records in accordance with GDPR regulations.
• Support the execution of critical monthly and annual cycle People processes within the relevant timescales.
• Assist with project work when required.

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 5 CIPD qualification. Level 3 may be considered if candidate can demonstrate substantial relevant HR generalist work experience and a desire to gain Level 5 qualification.
• Previous HR/People Advisor experience essential, preferably in a retail or fast‑paced environment with responsibility for high‑volume complex caseloads.
• Excellent knowledge of employment legislation and employee relations policies and procedures.
• Comfortable offering advice and minute‑taking in formal meetings, ensuring accurate documentation.
• Strong communication skills, able to guide, influence and challenge appropriately.
• Clear and articulate communication with all stakeholders throughout the business.
• Proficient in Office365 and HR systems (previous experience of Dayforce an advantage).
• Accurate typing skills and attention to detail.
• Experience working within a constantly changing environment.
• Flexible to work outside standard office hours if required to support a 24/7 operation.

Benefits

• Staff discount on JD Group and other brands within the organisation.
• Personal development opportunities to learn and develop at work.