Senior Employee Relations Lead - 6 month FTC

The Senior Employee Relations Lead is responsible for developing and implementing policies and procedures that promote a positive and productive work environment. They will also handle employee grievances, conflicts, and complaints, ensuring fair treatment and compliance with company policies and employment law. The Senior Employee Relations Lead will work closely with other members of the People team to ensure that all People policies and procedures are up-to-date and compliant with current legislation. They are responsible on a day-to-day basis for ensuring the ER Advisor’s processes – such as absence, capability and probation – are in line with best practice and run smoothly, and provide training and communication to the People Team and business where appropriate.

Key responsibilities

• Partner with business leaders, People teams and PBPs to develop, implement and continuously improve ER policies, procedures and people practices in line with employment legislation and organisational objectives.
• Act as the lead advisor on complex employee relations matters including grievances, disciplinaries, investigations, conflict resolution, mediation, consultations and tribunal preparation where required.
• Provide trusted guidance and coaching to managers and employees on workplace practices, performance management, employee concerns and organisational change initiatives.
• Investigate and resolve complex or high‑risk ER cases in a timely, fair and commercially balanced manner, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance throughout.
• Analyse ER data, trends and metrics to identify risks, provide insight and recommend proactive strategies to improve employee engagement, retention and business decision‑making.
• Monitor legislative developments, case law and ER best practice to ensure policies, processes and process maps remain compliant, effective and up to date.
• Design and deliver training, interventions and capability‑building activities to upskill managers and support consistent application of ER policies and procedures across the business.
• Work collaboratively across the People function to support wider talent, organisational development and change initiatives within a regulated and customer‑focused environment.

Qualifications

• Significant employee relations experience within a regulated environment, with strong knowledge of employment law, ER best practice and complex case management.
• Proven experience operating as an HR Business Partner or trusted advisor, partnering with managers and senior stakeholders on people‑related matters.
• Strong background supporting core People processes including recruitment, talent development, performance management, organisational development and reward.
• Experience within Financial Services and/or customer service‑led environments is highly desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence, coach and build effective working relationships at all levels.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capability, with experience using data and insight to support decision‑making and identify trends or risks.
• Demonstrates sound judgement, discretion, integrity and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters professionally.
• Highly organised and collaborative, with strong conflict resolution skills and proficiency in HR systems and Microsoft Office applications including Excel, PowerPoint and Word.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, pension scheme and life assurance.
• 25 days annual leave plus an additional day on us for your birthday.
• Private medical cover and income protection.
• Generous and highly achievable bonus scheme.
• Opportunities to progress your career in‑role and within the company.
• Free access to the Headspace app, 24/7 employee assistance helpline and trained physical and mental health first aiders.
• A variety of employee‑funded benefits available via our online benefits portal.
• Several additional purchase options available for you and your loved ones.