At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage employee relations cases and support leaders with expert advice and guidance.
- Company: Join a major infrastructure programme providing clean energy for millions.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, travel support, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on collaboration and early intervention strategies.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of a transformative project and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or equivalent, with strong UK employment law knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Location: Orwell Logistics Park, Ipswich (Hybrid Working)
This is a chance to join one of the UK's most significant infrastructure programmes - Sizewell C - a once-in-a-generation development set to provide clean energy to over 6 million homes for the next 60 years. Working within the Civil Works Alliance (a partnership between Balfour Beatty, Bouygues Travaux Publics and Laing O'Rourke), you will play a key role within a high-performing delivery organisation on a complex, high-value programme. This role offers the opportunity to operate at the heart of a major project, supporting leaders on complex employee relations matters, driving early intervention approaches, and contributing to a positive and collaborative working environment. The role is aligned to Orwell Logistics Park, Ipswich, with hybrid working in place and flexibility for candidates based across the UK. Travel and mobility support is provided where required.
About The Role
As an Employee Relations Partner, you will support the Human Resources function by managing a varied and high-volume caseload of employee relations matters, while contributing to wider organisational and operational initiatives. You will act as a trusted advisor to leaders, providing clear, pragmatic guidance to ensure matters are handled consistently, compliantly, and in line with employment legislation and best practice. A key focus of the role is promoting early intervention, using coaching and mediation approaches to prevent escalation and support effective resolution.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Managing a complex caseload of employee relations matters (typically 15–50 cases), including performance, absence, disciplinary, grievance, redundancy and SOSR
- Providing expert advice and guidance to leaders on employment law, policy, and best practice
- Supporting early intervention approaches, including mediation and coaching
- Working closely with Legal Counsel and Strategic People Leads to ensure compliance and consistency
- Building effective relationships with stakeholders, including Trade Unions
- Supporting organisational change and people‑related projects
- Analysing case data, documentation and evidence to inform recommendations and outcomes
- Ensuring high standards of governance, compliance, and control across all ER activity
What We’re Looking For
- CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent)
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
- Proven experience managing complex ER caseloads in a fast‑paced environment
- Experience working across geographically dispersed teams
- Experience engaging with trade unions and understanding industrial relations processes
Employee Industrial Relations Partner in Suffolk employer: Laing O'Rourke
Join a forward-thinking organisation at Orwell Logistics Park, Ipswich, where you will be part of the transformative Sizewell C project, contributing to sustainable energy solutions for millions. Our hybrid working model promotes flexibility and work-life balance, while our collaborative culture fosters professional growth through continuous learning and support. With a commitment to employee well-being and development, we offer a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a high-performing team dedicated to excellence in employee relations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Industrial Relations Partner in Suffolk
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees or connections in the industry. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the company culture and even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company’s recent projects, especially those related to Sizewell C. Show us you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their mission of clean energy.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. We want to see your personality shine through, so don’t just recite rehearsed answers!
✨Tip Number 4
After the interview, send a quick thank-you note. It’s a simple gesture that shows appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Industrial Relations Partner in Suffolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Employee Industrial Relations Partner role. Highlight your experience with employee relations, especially in managing complex caseloads and your knowledge of UK employment law. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our team at Orwell Logistics Park. Be sure to mention any relevant experience with mediation and coaching, as these are key aspects of the job.
Showcase Your Soft Skills:In addition to your technical skills, we value soft skills like communication and relationship-building. Make sure to include examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders or trade unions in the past. This will help us see how you'd fit into our collaborative environment.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s straightforward and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Laing O'Rourke
✨Know Your Employment Law
Brush up on UK employment law and HR best practices before your interview. Being able to discuss relevant legislation confidently will show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also serious about the role.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of specific instances where you've managed complex employee relations cases. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easier for the interviewers to see your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Showcase Your Mediation Skills
Since the role emphasises early intervention and mediation, be ready to discuss how you've successfully resolved conflicts in the past. Highlight your coaching techniques and how they led to positive outcomes.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, this is a partnership role. Show your interpersonal skills by engaging with the interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their team dynamics and how they approach employee relations to demonstrate your interest in collaboration.
