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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support frontline employees and managers to enhance engagement and uphold HR best practices.
- Company: Join a well-established engineering and manufacturing organisation committed to employee relations.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, benefits package, and the chance to work on-site four days a week.
- Why this job: Shape a new role with real impact in a supportive HR team focused on culture and engagement.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR and employee relations, preferably in a manufacturing or engineering environment.
- Other info: CIPD qualification is desirable but not essential; proactive and approachable candidates are encouraged to apply.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 42000 £ per year.
Employee Relations Specialist
Location: North East: Leeds, Newcastle upon Tyne, York (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 - North East employer: LHH
Contact Detail:
LHH Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Specialist - North East
✨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 already working in employee relations within manufacturing or engineering. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to gain insights and potentially get referrals that could boost your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing relationships in a unionised setting. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated complex situations, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your proactive approach by thinking of potential HR initiatives that could enhance employee engagement in the company. Presenting these ideas during your interview can set you apart as a forward-thinking candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Specialist - North East
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: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, especially your experience in unionised settings and your proactive approach.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise skills that are crucial for this position, such as communication, relationship-building, and HR best practices. Mention any relevant qualifications, like your CIPD status, even if you are still working towards it.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is essential for an Employee Relations Specialist.
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, be prepared to showcase your communication skills. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, and think of examples where your communication has led to positive outcomes in a team or unionised environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask. Inquire about the company's approach to employee engagement, how they measure success in this role, or what challenges they foresee in the future. This shows your proactive mindset and genuine interest in contributing to their goals.
