At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead employee relations strategy and manage complex HR cases with confidence.
- Company: Join a prestigious UK SME with a focus on innovation and transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, completion bonus, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements available in a dynamic, hybrid environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-stakes role while shaping the future of employee relations.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in employee relations and strong HR business partnering skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Middlemore are retained by a prestigious, UK-centric SME seeking an experienced interim HR professional to join on a 15-month fixed-term contract from October 2026. This is a newly scoped role for an HR Business Partner who will also operate as the firm's Employee Relations subject matter expert.
Reporting to the HR Director, the successful individual will partner with their own client group, whilst also serving as the internal expert for employee relations — acting as the point of escalation for complex, sensitive and high-risk casework, whilst also providing pragmatic guidance on the more routine volume of day-to-day ER matters. Beyond the ER remit, the role carries broader HR business partnering responsibility, making this a genuinely rounded, high-impact position.
Employee Relations Expertise- Deep, hands-on experience managing complex ER cases end-to-end — spanning disciplinary and grievance, whistleblowing, protected disclosures, harassment and bullying, performance management and settlement negotiations.
- Proven ability to assess legal risk, exercise sound judgement under pressure, and manage sensitive matters with absolute discretion.
- A track record of reducing reliance on external legal counsel through strong in-house ER capability — a genuine cost-saving differentiator.
- Comprehensive and current knowledge of UK employment legislation, with the ability to navigate an increasingly complex and fast-evolving legal landscape with confidence.
- Fluency across the key legislative frameworks that govern the modern employment relationship — and the commercial nous to apply them proportionately.
- The ability to translate complex legal developments into clear, actionable guidance for HR colleagues and line managers, without losing the nuance.
- Proven experience leading on ER strategy within organisations undergoing transformation — particularly where technology adoption, automation, role redesign and process modernisation have generated workforce anxiety, redundancy risk or changes to terms and conditions.
- Experience managing the ER implications of restructuring, including collective consultation, at-risk processes and the people communication challenges that accompany structural change.
- The credibility and composure to advise senior stakeholders when the commercial and people agenda are in tension.
- Commercially astute, with the ability to frame ER advice in the context of business risk, reputational exposure and cost — not just legal compliance.
- Experienced in coaching and upskilling HR business partners and line managers, building internal capability and reducing unnecessary escalation.
- Adept at identifying ER trends, building meaningful MI and presenting insight that enables proactive rather than reactive people management.
- A seasoned HR generalist with deep, demonstrable ER expertise.
- An ER or employment law specialist ready to step into a broader HRBP remit.
Full or part-time working arrangements will be considered for the right individual.
Circa £15,000 completion bonus.
Comprehensive benefits package.
Hybrid working.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Specialist - 15 month FTC in City of London
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies
Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.
✨Network at HR Events and Workshops
Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at Middlemore and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Specialist - 15 month FTC in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!
Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!
Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at Middlemore. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Middlemore
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at Middlemore, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools
Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that Middlemore uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.
✨Your Motivation Matters
As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at Middlemore.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at Middlemore.
