At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage employee relations matters and provide expert advice to leaders across the UK and US.
- Company: Join a global insurance provider known for innovation and collaboration in over 80 countries.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape global employee relations strategies while working in a high-performing, supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in complex ER matters and strong knowledge of UK and US employment law required.
- Other info: CIPD qualification is desirable; background in financial services or tech is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 64000 £ per year.
Location: London (Hybrid)
Reports to: HR Director, Business Partners and Talent Management
Salary: up to £80,000 (possible slight flex DOE)
About the business
Middlemore are supporting a global specialist insurance provider, pioneering technology-driven solutions that help clients stay ahead of emerging risks. With a culture built on collaboration, innovation and accountability, the business is proud to deliver excellent outcomes for their clients and our people alike. With offices in the UK, US, Canada and Australia, and a presence in over 80 countries, this organisation continues to expand rapidly – and we’re looking for exceptional people to grow with us.
About the Role
We are seeking a proactive and highly knowledgeable Employee Relations Manager to join our People Team. This role will act as the first line of response for employee relations (ER) matters across the business globally, with a primary focus on the UK and US. You’ll work in close partnership with HR Business Partners to support leaders in managing a wide range of ER cases and advising on best practice. This is a hands-on role requiring strong employment law expertise, sound judgement and a proactive approach to de-escalating and resolving ER matters before they become formal. This role offers the opportunity to shape the organisations ER approach globally and play a key role within a high-performing and collaborative People Team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Act as the first point of contact for all ER matters, both informal and formal, across the UK and US.
- Provide expert advice to managers on a wide range of issues including conduct, capability, absence, grievances and disciplinary matters.
- Support and coach managers on informal resolution and performance conversations to minimise escalation.
- Work in partnership with HR Business Partners to ensure ER matters are managed fairly and consistently, in line with the company values, policies and relevant employment legislation.
- Monitor ER trends and identify opportunities for proactive intervention, policy updates or manager training.
- Provide risk-based advice that supports both employee experience and commercial outcomes.
Global Compliance & Best Practice:
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of employment law in the UK and US, ensuring consistent and compliant advice is provided in each jurisdiction.
- Support the development and implementation of ER policies and guidance across multiple geographies.
- Deliver learning and development sessions for line managers to improve confidence and capability in handling people matters.
People Partnering Support:
- Collaborate with HR Business Partners on people plans, structural changes and people-related projects.
- Support delivery of HR change initiatives such as restructures, acquisitions or culture and engagement programmes.
- Assist in the facilitation of performance and talent review cycles, contributing insights from an ER perspective.
What You’ll Bring:
- Significant experience in managing complex ER matters, ideally in fast-paced or high-growth environments.
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law and practical experience managing cases in the US.
- Ability to assess risk, apply employment law and offer practical, business-aligned solutions.
- Experience supporting organisational change including restructures, mergers or TUPE transfers.
- Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to advise and challenge constructively at all levels.
- Analytical approach with experience in identifying ER trends and using data to inform decisions.
- High levels of integrity, professionalism and confidentiality when handling sensitive issues.
- CIPD qualification or equivalent experience (desirable).
- Background in the financial services or technology sectors (preferred but not essential).
If this is something of interest and you have the above experience, please apply directly!
Employee Relations Manager employer: Middlemore
Contact Detail:
Middlemore Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest UK and US employment laws, as this role requires a strong understanding of both jurisdictions. Consider attending webinars or workshops that focus on employee relations and legal updates to enhance your knowledge.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the HR and employee relations field, especially those who have experience in fast-paced environments. Engaging with industry groups or forums can provide insights into best practices and current trends that are relevant to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed complex ER matters. Highlight your ability to de-escalate situations and provide practical solutions that align with business goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your interpersonal and influencing skills during any interactions with our team. Being able to communicate effectively and build rapport with various stakeholders is crucial for this role, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently.
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in employee relations, particularly in managing complex ER matters. Emphasise your knowledge of UK and US employment law, as well as any experience in fast-paced environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and the company. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully handled ER issues in the past and how you can contribute to shaping the organisation's ER approach.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on key skills such as risk assessment, analytical thinking, and interpersonal abilities. Provide examples of how you've used these skills to influence decisions and support managers in resolving ER matters.
Showcase Continuous Learning: Mention any ongoing professional development, such as CIPD qualifications or relevant training. This demonstrates your commitment to staying updated on employment law and best practices in employee relations.
How to prepare for a job interview at Middlemore
✨Know Your Employment Law
Brush up on your knowledge of UK and US employment law, as this role requires a strong understanding of legal frameworks. Be prepared to discuss specific cases or scenarios where you've applied this knowledge effectively.
✨Demonstrate Proactive Problem-Solving
Showcase your ability to de-escalate ER matters before they become formal. Prepare examples from your past experience where you successfully resolved issues informally, highlighting your proactive approach.
✨Highlight Your Coaching Skills
Since the role involves supporting and coaching managers, be ready to share instances where you've trained or guided others in handling employee relations. This will demonstrate your capability in fostering a collaborative environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your judgement and decision-making skills in complex ER situations. Practice articulating your thought process and the rationale behind your decisions to show your analytical approach.