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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support employee relations and enhance engagement in a hands-on HR role.
- Company: Join a well-established engineering and manufacturing organisation in Plymouth.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a new role focused on culture and engagement.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR and employee relations, preferably in a manufacturing or engineering setting.
- Other info: Work on-site 4 days a week in a dynamic, unionised environment.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 46000 £ per year.
Employee Relations Specialist
Location: South West, Devon, Plymouth, Exeter (On-site 4 days per week)
Salary: £40,000 – £50,000 + Benefits
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
We’re supporting a well-established engineering and manufacturing organisation in Plymouth in their search for an Employee Relations Specialist . This is a newly created position, reflecting the business’s commitment to strengthening their on-site HR presence and enhancing employee engagement across the operation.
About the Role
This is a hands-on, visible role working closely with frontline employees and managers to support effective working relationships, drive positive engagement, and uphold HR best practice. While this position sits within the Employee Relations space, it\’s not case-management focused—instead, you\’ll be a trusted advisor on the ground, working proactively to support a complex, unionised environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Act as a key point of contact for day-to-day people matters, supporting managers with HR queries and good practice guidance.
- Build strong, influential relationships across teams, acting as a credible partner to operational leadership.
- Support the delivery of HR initiatives that promote engagement, communication, and alignment to company values.
- Work in collaboration with union representatives to maintain open, constructive relationships.
- Support wider HR activity as needed, including policy development, projects, and workforce planning.
About You:
- Experienced HR generalist with a strong background in employee relations within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
- Confident working on-site in a visible, hands-on role—building rapport and credibility on the shop floor is essential.
- Experience working in a unionised setting, with an understanding of how to manage and foster positive trade union relationships.
- Proactive, approachable, and commercially aware.
- CIPD qualification (or working towards) is desirable but not essential.
Why Join?
This is a great opportunity to shape a new role with real impact—supporting a high-performing site with a long-term focus on engagement and culture. You’ll be part of a supportive HR team and have the chance to grow your remit as the business continues to evolve.
Employee Relations Specialist - Devon employer: LHH
Contact Detail:
LHH Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Specialist - Devon
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and dynamics of the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Understanding the unique employee relations issues in these environments will help you demonstrate your expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the HR field, especially those who have experience in unionised settings. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss real-life scenarios where you've successfully built relationships with frontline employees and management. Highlighting your hands-on experience will show that you're ready to take on this visible role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s values and recent HR initiatives. Being able to align your personal values with theirs and discussing how you can contribute to their goals will make you a standout candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Specialist - Devon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in employee relations, particularly within manufacturing or engineering environments. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to build relationships and support HR initiatives.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and the company. Emphasise your hands-on approach and experience in unionised settings, and explain how you can contribute to enhancing employee engagement.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on skills that are crucial for the role, such as communication, relationship-building, and HR best practices. Mention any relevant qualifications, like your CIPD status, even if you're still working towards it.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or typos. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are key in an HR role.
How to prepare for a job interview at LHH
✨Know the Company and Its Culture
Before your interview, take some time to research the engineering and manufacturing organisation. Understand their values, mission, and recent developments. This will help you align your answers with their culture and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Given the hands-on nature of the Employee Relations Specialist role, be ready to discuss specific scenarios you've encountered in previous positions. Think about how you've handled employee relations issues, built relationships on the shop floor, and collaborated with union representatives.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As this role requires building strong relationships, it's crucial to demonstrate your communication skills during the interview. Be clear and concise in your responses, and provide examples of how you've effectively communicated with both employees and management in the past.
✨Highlight Your Proactive Approach
The company is looking for someone who is proactive and approachable. Share examples of how you've taken initiative in previous roles to improve employee engagement or resolve conflicts. This will show that you're not just reactive but can also drive positive change.
