Employee Relations, Policy and Projects Manager

We’re seeking an ER, Policy and Projects Manager to join our growing People team in Leeds. In this newly created role, you’ll be the go-to expert for complex employee relations, leading policy development, people data governance and high impact Group HR projects. You’ll provide strategic oversight across ER casework, drive consistent and effective people policies, build organisational capability through insight‑led people data and deliver projects aligned to the Group’s strategic priorities. A key focus will be to coach and develop managers at all levels, building confidence and capability to handle people matters effectively, consistently and in line with our values. As a senior trusted HR team member, you’ll ensure all activity is legally compliant, values‑led and aligned to best practice, while partnering closely with Heads of HR and leaders across the business to drive lasting impact.

Employee Relations

• Establish and lead a fit‑for‑purpose ER function, defining processes, documentation and governance frameworks.
• Act as the senior ER escalation point, providing expert guidance to managers, HR Business Partners and People Services.
• Lead, design and deliver training to coach and support managers by building their confidence, capability and consistent ER decision making.
• Use ER data, reporting and trend analysis to assure case quality, manage risk and design targeted capability building interventions.

Policy

• Own the development, review and continuous improvement of all people policies, frameworks and toolkits, ensuring legal compliance and alignment with organisational values.
• Lead processes for policy changes, engaging HR, Legal, senior leaders and employee representatives.
• Provide governance, version control and quality assurance across all policies, communications organisation‑wide roll outs.
• Coach managers and upskill the HR team on policy application and legislative change to drive consistent, compliant practice.

People Projects / Transformation

• Lead and support the delivery of cross‑functional HR projects, providing strategic people input and ensuring alignment with people strategy and organisational values.
• Own project planning, governance and delivery, managing risks, dependencies, stakeholders and timelines to achieve agreed outcomes.
• Evaluate project impact using data, feedback and insights to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

Data and Governance

• Establish and lead the People Data function, defining strategy, operating model and governance framework to ensure accurate, secure and high‑quality people data.
• Deliver a People Data roadmap, optimising systems and analytics through automation, improved data maturity and reporting capability.
• Provide people insights, translating data into clear recommendations that influence leaders, managers and organisational priorities.

Relationship and stakeholder management

• Build strong, credible and influential relationships with senior leaders, HR Business Partners, representative groups and other key stakeholders, acting as the senior escalation point for ER, policy and people data matters.
• Partner closely with Legal and HR Operations to manage complex or high‑risk matters.
• Coach, challenge and influence managers to take ownership of people management, promoting early, informal resolution of issues where appropriate.
• Coach and develop HR colleagues and managers to build capability and ensure consistency.

What we’re looking for

• Previous experience managing ER cases within an HR environment.
• Proven experience in coaching managers.
• Strong working knowledge of employment law and its application to casework.
• Previously led on multiple HR projects.

Benefits

• 25 Days Holiday plus Bank Holidays.
• Pension with a leading provider and up to 8% employer contribution.
• Personal Wellbeing and Volunteer Days.
• Private Medical Insurance.
• Salary sacrifice car scheme (Hybrid/Electric Vehicle).
• Free 24/7 365 Employee Assistance Program to support mental health and well‑being (including counselling sessions and legal advice).
• Flexible benefits to suit from Dental Insurance, Gym Memberships, Give As You Earn, Travel Insurance, Tax Free Bikes.