At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead employee relations and empower managers in a dynamic early-years education environment.
- Company: Join N Family Club, the UK's most innovative early-years education provider.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous holiday, and a £100 learning fund.
- Other info: Enjoy amazing discounts, loyalty bonuses, and a vibrant workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people's experiences while shaping the future of education.
- Qualifications: Experience in employee relations and a passion for early years education.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.
We’re more than just a nursery group. We’re the UK’s most innovative early-years education provider. At N, we believe that every moment of a team member’s journey should feel intentional, empowering, and human. We are looking for an Employee Relations expert to act as our technical authority on complex ER and risk. However, this isn't just about managing casework - it's about helping our managers "learn to fish." You will build the capability, frameworks, and confidence that make our decentralised people management model thrive, ensuring better decisions are made closer to the ground.
What you’ll be doing…
- ER Leadership: Own complex, sensitive, and high-risk casework end-to-end as our technical authority on employment law.
- Strategic Readiness: Lead our business readiness for the upcoming Employment Rights Act changes, reviewing policies and performance practices.
- System & Process Oversight: Act as the strategic owner of our case management system and champion data integrity in HiBob to drive automation and efficiency.
- Risk Frameworks: Design and own our risk tiering and escalation framework to make it crystal clear what each role handles.
- Empowering Leaders: Partner directly with Regional Directors and Nursery Managers, equipping them with the tools and upskilling to lead confidently on people matters.
- Knowing When to Coach: Support stakeholders to run a case well rather than simply taking it over, building genuine confidence rather than dependency.
- Driving Engagement: Champion a culture of belonging and wellbeing, using people insights and data trends to improve connection, engagement, and retention.
You should have…
- Experience as an ER Manager or People Partner in a fast-growth or multi-site environment.
- Experience with a dispersed, hourly or shift-based workforce - childcare, care, retail, hospitality or education.
- Deep Employee Relations experience, beautifully balanced with pragmatism, commercial acumen, and a true coaching mindset.
- Agility and a solutions-focused approach to continuous improvement.
- Comfortable with data, and with building things that don't yet exist.
- Experience in a regulated or safeguarding-sensitive environment is a real advantage.
- Ideally, experience or a strong interest in the Early Years or Education sector.
- CIPD qualification or equivalent experience.
The N Advantage
- Competitive salary – £50,000 - £55,000, based on experience and dedication.
- Flexible hybrid working model for work-life balance.
- Up to 35 days holiday – including a personal ‘Me’ day and Christmas closure.
- £100 annual learning fund, plus access to in-house development opportunities.
- Enhanced family leave for parents, carers, and more.
- 40% childcare discount, plus 6 emergency days annually.
- 5-year loyalty bonus – around-the-world trip + 2 bonus weeks off.
- 10-year loyalty bonus – ‘Out of this world’ experience + 2 extra weeks off.
- Referral bonus – earn up to £1,000 per successful hire.
- Amazing discounts – save on groceries, shopping, fitness and more.
- Travel support – season ticket loans and cycle-to-work scheme.
- Socials & wellbeing – annual parties, team events, gym discounts, and online fitness.
Why N Family Club?
At N Family Club, we’re reimagining early years education – and we want you to be a part of it. We’re a certified Great Place to Work and one of the UK’s most innovative early years groups. With top salaries, unmatched benefits, and real career progression, we put our people first. Join us today to spark big ideas in young minds and shape a career you’ll love.
What's next?
If you think you've got what it takes, click apply and fill in our super quick (1 min) application form! If you want to read more about N, our benefits and work culture, visit our Careers website or our Glassdoor Page.
Employee Relations & People Experience Partner employer: N Family Club
N Family Club in Guildford offers a nurturing environment where you can kickstart your career in early years education. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide comprehensive training and support as you work towards your Early Years Apprenticeship, all while being part of a vibrant team that values passion and positivity. Join us to make a meaningful impact in children's lives while enjoying a culture of continuous learning and development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations & People Experience Partner
✨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 N Family Club!
✨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 N Family Club.
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations & People Experience Partner
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 N Family Club. 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 N Family Club 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 N Family Club. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to N Family Club'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 N Family Club
✨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 N Family Club.
✨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 N Family Club 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 N Family Club and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.