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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 unionised settings. Engaging with industry contacts can provide valuable insights and may even 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 for a visible role on the shop floor.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s values and recent HR initiatives. Being able to align your personal approach to their culture will demonstrate your commitment to enhancing employee engagement and support their goals.
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 managers with HR queries.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your proactive approach and experience in unionised settings make you a perfect fit for this position. Be sure to mention any relevant CIPD qualifications or ongoing studies.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Emphasise skills that are crucial for the role, such as communication, relationship-building, and HR best practices. Provide examples of how you've successfully engaged with frontline employees and managers in previous roles.
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
✨Understand the Company Culture
Before your interview, take some time to research the company's culture and values. This will help you align your answers with what they are looking for in an Employee Relations Specialist and demonstrate that you are a good fit for their team.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Since this role involves building strong relationships with frontline employees and managers, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully fostered positive working relationships in the past, especially in a unionised environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-life situations. Think of scenarios where you had to navigate complex employee relations issues and how you approached them, highlighting your proactive and approachable nature.
✨Demonstrate Your HR Knowledge
Brush up on HR best practices and relevant legislation, particularly in relation to employee relations within manufacturing or engineering settings. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your expertise and readiness for the role.
