At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape colleague experiences and provide expert policy advice in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join M&S, a dynamic company focused on quality and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and tailored training from day one.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working with excellent support for personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in employee relations while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and a passion for people policies.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Join our People Policy Team at M&S and play a vital role in shaping great colleague experiences across our UK Stores, Support Centres and Castle Donington. As a Policy Specialist, you'll be a trusted partner to line managers and BIG representatives, providing expert guidance that balances business needs with fairness, care, and legal compliance.
This is a fast‑paced, people‑focused role where no two days are the same. You'll coach, support and influence decision‑making, helping to create positive outcomes for both colleagues and the business. If you're passionate about employee relations, love solving problems, and want to grow your career in a supportive and high‑performing environment, this is your opportunity to make a real impact.
All the details
Please note this role is a 6-month fixed term contract.
Working pattern
- This role is suited to someone who is comfortable working in a retail‑facing environment and can offer flexibility around operational needs.
- Hybrid working with at least 3 days per week in the office.
- Wednesday is the team anchor day.
- During the first 6 weeks, training will be office‑based 5 days per week.
- Core shift patterns are typically 8am-4pm, 9am-5pm or 10am-6pm.
- You’ll need flexibility for late nights on either a Tuesday or Thursday, approximately 1 in every 6 weeks.
- Weekend working is expected up to every other weekend, depending on rota and business need.
What you’ll do
Your key accountabilities will include:
- Provide expert policy advice and coaching to line managers and BIG representatives via telephone, supporting confident and fair decision‑making.
- Deliver an outstanding customer experience by meeting key service targets, including call handling and satisfaction measures.
- Support the creation of high‑quality written communications, including outcome letters and case documentation.
- Manage Occupational Health referrals, guiding managers through the process and helping interpret outcomes and next steps.
- Accurately manage cases and queries using Oracle MyHR and shared mailboxes, ensuring records are up to date and insights are captured to inform continuous improvement.
Who you are
Your skills and experience will include:
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and influence over the phone.
- Confident coaching and influencing capability, supporting others to make balanced, fair decisions.
- Strong attention to detail, with the ability to produce clear, professional written communications.
- Passion for employee relations, with experience or a strong interest in applying people policies and developing a career in a People team.
What’s in it for you?
Working at M&S means being part of something bigger — helping to deliver quality, value and service to millions of customers every day. We're inclusive, fast‑moving and always evolving, with a strong sense of purpose and a focus on doing the right thing.
Here are just a few of the benefits that make working here even more rewarding:
- 20% colleague discount on all M&S products and many third‑party brands for you and someone in your household, available once you’ve completed your probation.
- Competitive holiday allowance with the option to buy more.
- Strong pension and life assurance to help plan for the future.
- Tailored induction and training to support your development from day one.
- Exclusive perks and savings through our M&S Choices portal.
- Market‑leading family policies, including parental, adoption and neonatal leave.
- 24/7 wellbeing support, including virtual GP access and mental health services.
- One paid volunteer day a year to support a cause that matters to you.
Everyone’s welcome
We are committed to building diverse and representative teams, where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and be at their best. We support each other and work together to win together.
If you feel you'd benefit from any support or reasonable adjustments during any stage of the recruitment process, please don't hesitate to let us know when completing your application. This information will be picked up by our team, so we can try and put steps in place to help you be at your best through this process.
Employee Relations Policy Specialist - 6 Month Fixed Term Contract in Manchester employer: Marks and Spencer
At M&S, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where every colleague can thrive. As an Employee Relations Policy Specialist, you'll benefit from a supportive culture that prioritises employee wellbeing, with access to tailored training, competitive benefits, and a strong focus on personal growth. Join us in Castle Donington and be part of a team dedicated to creating positive experiences for our colleagues while enjoying perks like a generous discount and flexible working arrangements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Policy Specialist - 6 Month Fixed Term Contract in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at M&S through LinkedIn or other platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Employee Relations Policy Specialist role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to employee relations. Think about how you can showcase your problem-solving skills and your passion for creating positive colleague experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your communication skills! During interviews, be clear and concise in your responses. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you've influenced decision-making and supported others.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the M&S team.
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Policy Specialist - 6 Month Fixed Term Contract in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in employee relations and policy development. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves a lot of coaching and influencing, it’s crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication abilities. Use clear and professional language in your written application to reflect how you’d communicate in the role.
Highlight Your Organisational Skills:This position is all about managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Be sure to mention any experiences where you successfully juggled various tasks or projects, as this will show us you can handle the demands of the job.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and helps us keep track of everything efficiently!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks and Spencer
✨Know Your Policies
Familiarise yourself with M&S's employee relations policies and any recent changes. Being able to discuss these confidently will show your passion for the role and your understanding of the business needs.
✨Practice Your Coaching Skills
Since this role involves coaching line managers, practice how you would guide someone through a difficult decision. Use role-play scenarios to demonstrate your ability to influence and support others effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific employee relations situations. Think of examples from your past experience where you successfully navigated similar challenges, highlighting your problem-solving skills.
✨Show Your Flexibility
This role requires adaptability in a fast-paced environment. Be ready to discuss how you've managed multiple priorities before and how you can adjust to changing operational needs while maintaining high service standards.
