Employee Relations Lead in Manchester

Employee Relations Lead in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 42000 - 45000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Jobwise Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead employee relations, manage complex cases, and provide expert advice to managers.
  • Company: A meaningful organisation dedicated to improving lives every day.
  • Benefits: Up to £45,000 salary, hybrid working, flexitime, 26 days holiday, and health benefits.
  • Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for professional growth and regular company events.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference while developing your HR expertise in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Strong ER experience, excellent employment law knowledge, and CIPD level 5 or above.

The predicted salary is between 42000 - 45000 £ per year.

Do you have strong experience in Employee Relations, possibly in a strong ER or general HR role? Do you have excellent employment law knowledge and experience working with unions on a day-to-day basis? Would you like to work for an organisation that genuinely makes a difference to people's lives every day? If so, this Employee Relations Lead role could be the perfect opportunity for you.

As well as an excellent salary of up to £45,000, this offers both hybrid working and flexitime and benefits that include:

  • 26 days holiday plus bank holidays
  • Discount schemes
  • Health and wellbeing programme
  • Free parking
  • A pension scheme
  • Regular company events

What will you be doing as an Employee Relations Lead? Reporting to the Head of HR, you will be working closely with managers and stakeholders across the organisation, ensuring the organisation adopts a fair, consistent, legally compliant and solutions-focused approach to managing people matters. You will act as the organisation's subject matter expert for employee relations, providing advice, guidance and support to managers and leaders on a wide range of complex workforce issues.

The role will lead on investigations, disciplinary, grievance, capability and absence management processes, whilst supporting managers to develop confidence and capability in managing people effectively. The Employee Relations Lead will also provide day-to-day operational support and guidance to the HR Coordinator team, ensuring consistent application of policies, procedures and employment legislation.

Duties will include:

  • Leading and managing complex employee relations cases from start to finish, ensuring legal compliance, fairness and best practice
  • Providing expert advice and guidance to managers on disciplinary, grievance, capability, performance, attendance, probation, conduct and misconduct matters
  • Leading investigations, including gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses and preparing investigation reports
  • Supporting formal hearings, appeals and case resolutions by advising on risks, outcomes and appropriate approaches
  • Ensuring employee relations cases are being managed consistently, professionally and within agreed timescales
  • Maintaining accurate case records, trackers and management information to support reporting and governance
  • Acting as a key advisor on employment law, ACAS guidance and HR best practice, while supporting policy reviews and updates
  • Identifying employment law developments and supporting the implementation of required changes
  • Building strong relationships with managers, operational leaders and Trade Union representatives, supporting consultation and engagement activity
  • Advising on workforce compliance requirements, including right to work checks, immigration matters and sponsorship processes
  • Analysing employee relations data and trends to identify risks, improvements and opportunities to strengthen workforce practices
  • Supporting and coaching HR colleagues on employee relations queries, while acting as an escalation point for complex matters

We would LOVE to hear from you if you have the following skills and experience:

  • Previous strong experience in a similar role dealing with all aspects of Employee Relations including investigations, disciplinaries and grievances, possibly in an ER or more general HR role
  • Experience of working in a unionised environment
  • Excellent employment law knowledge with experience advising senior managers
  • Strong knowledge of right to work, sponsorship and visa requirements
  • CIPD level 5 or above
  • Strong IT skills including Word, Excel and Outlook along with case management systems
  • Due to the need to visit other sites in the region, a full current driving licence and your own transport (expenses paid)

What will you get in return for your work as an Employee Relations Lead?

  • A salary of £42,000 to £45,000 depending on experience
  • Hybrid working - 3 days in the office and 2 days from home after initial bedding in period
  • Flexitime around core hours
  • 26 days plus bank holidays
  • Company events
  • Employee discount scheme
  • Free onsite parking
  • Health & wellbeing programme

Employee Relations Lead in Manchester employer: Jobwise Ltd

Join an organisation that truly values its employees and makes a positive impact on people's lives every day. As an Employee Relations Lead, you will benefit from a competitive salary, hybrid working options, and a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and development. With generous holiday allowances, health programmes, and opportunities for professional growth, this role offers a fulfilling career path in a dynamic environment.

Jobwise Ltd

Contact Details:

Jobwise Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Lead in Manchester

Join HR Networks

Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!

Make Your Presence Known

Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Jobwise Ltd!

Leverage Your University Connections

If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.

Showcase Your HR Passion

Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Jobwise Ltd.

We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Lead in Manchester

Employee Relations
Employment Law Knowledge
Union Experience
Investigations
Disciplinary Procedures
Grievance Handling
Capability Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Jobwise Ltd. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Jobwise Ltd and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.

Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Jobwise Ltd. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Jobwise Ltd's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.

How to prepare for a job interview at Jobwise Ltd

Brush Up on HR Best Practices

As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Jobwise Ltd.

Know Your Recruitment Tools

Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!

Highlight Your People Skills

A full-time HR role at Jobwise Ltd will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.

Stay Current with HR Trends

Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Jobwise Ltd and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.