At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex employee relations cases and provide expert guidance to senior leaders.
- Company: Join a large, multi-site organisation with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Impactful leadership role, professional development, and supportive team environment.
- Other info: Ideal for those from regulated sectors like education or NHS.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in employee relations and influence organisational outcomes.
- Qualifications: Extensive ER experience, strong UK employment law knowledge, and excellent stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced Employee Relations specialist looking for a role where you can genuinely influence organisational outcomes and act as the go‑to expert on complex employment matters? We are seeking a Senior Manager - Employee Relations to join a large, multi‑site organisation operating within a regulated environment. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly credible ER professional who enjoys managing complex casework, partnering with senior stakeholders, and working closely with employment lawyers to mitigate risk and drive fair outcomes.
The Role
As the senior escalation point for employee relations matters, you will lead on a diverse portfolio of complex and sensitive cases, providing expert guidance to senior leaders and HR colleagues. You will play a critical role in ensuring employment practices are legally compliant, commercially sound, and aligned to organisational values.
- Managing complex disciplinary, grievance, capability, absence and workplace conflict cases.
- Acting as the senior escalation point for high‑risk and sensitive employee relations matters.
- Providing expert employment law advice to senior stakeholders.
- Working closely with external legal advisers on day‑to‑day case management and risk assessment.
- Supporting investigations, hearings and appeals.
- Coaching managers and HR teams on best practice employee relations management.
- Identifying trends and recommending proactive interventions and improvements.
- Contributing to policy development and wider people strategy initiatives.
About You
We are looking for an experienced employee relations professional with:
- Extensive experience managing complex and high‑volume ER casework.
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law and its practical application.
- Experience working directly with employment solicitors and legal advisers.
- A proven ability to influence and challenge senior stakeholders.
- Excellent judgement, resilience and problem‑solving skills.
- The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
Experience within education, the NHS, local government, housing, or another regulated public‑sector environment would be highly advantageous, although candidates from similarly complex organisations will also be considered.
What's on Offer?
- A visible and impactful leadership role.
- The opportunity to work on challenging and meaningful employee relations matters.
- A collaborative and supportive people team environment.
- Excellent professional development opportunities.
If you are a confident Employee Relations leader who thrives on navigating complex employment challenges and building strong stakeholder relationships, we would love to hear from you.
Senior Manager - Employee Relations employer: McGregor Boyall
Join a large, multi-site organisation that values your expertise in Employee Relations and offers a collaborative and supportive work culture. With excellent professional development opportunities and the chance to influence meaningful organisational outcomes, this role provides a unique platform for growth in a regulated environment. Be part of a team that prioritises compliance, fairness, and strategic partnerships with senior stakeholders.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager - Employee Relations
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at McGregor Boyall!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at McGregor Boyall.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager - Employee Relations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at McGregor Boyall. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to McGregor Boyall and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at McGregor Boyall. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to McGregor Boyall's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at McGregor Boyall
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with McGregor Boyall.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at McGregor Boyall will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact McGregor Boyall and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
