At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead employee relations initiatives and manage complex workplace issues across international regions.
- Company: Join a global financial services organisation with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive HR Leadership team driving positive workplace change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping employee relations strategies in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in Employee Relations with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
An exciting newly created senior role in a global financial services organisation is now available. We are seeking an experienced Employee Relations professional to join our London-based People team. You will provide expert ER support across our International region, partnering closely with People Experience, Legal, and senior business leaders to manage complex and sensitive employee matters. Additionally, you will be working to implement new policies and update existing ones on an international scale.
As a key member of the HR Leadership team and ER Centre of Excellence, you will help design and embed a new service delivery framework, ensuring fair, consistent, and compliant handling of workplace issues. You will establish clear standards, strengthen ER practices, and drive a focused approach to ER strategy and risk management.
Responsibilities
- Contribute to the development and implementation of a robust Enterprise Employee Relations framework, including governance standards aligned with broader People strategy and regional employment regulations.
- Develop, maintain, and continuously improve ER standards, processes, and tools (including templates and guidance for disciplinary actions, performance management, and involuntary separations), ensuring consistency with global practices.
- Independently lead complex workplace investigations and higher-risk matters (including harassment, discrimination, regulatory, and GDPR-related concerns), partnering with HRBPs, Legal, and People Experience Operations. This includes conducting interviews, gathering/assessing evidence, preparing reports, and recommending outcomes or development actions.
- Provide expert ER advice and guidance to ER Specialists (in a tiered PX Operations model), HRBPs, Legal, and business leaders to proactively resolve issues, mitigate risk, and ensure fair handling across regions.
- Offer oversight and escalation support to the PX Operations Team for high-quality ER request handling.
- Monitor and evaluate ER program effectiveness across the International region, contributing to reporting, case trends, risk indicators, and insights aligned to global success measures.
- Act as a trusted subject matter expert in business and People discussions, providing insight on workplace trends, emerging risks, and complex matters to inform decision-making.
- Support the design and delivery of ER-related training for managers and employees across the region, aligned with global standards.
- Monitor regional legal and regulatory developments in partnership with local leads, ensuring policies and practices remain compliant; collaborate with the Global ER team for alignment and continuous improvement.
Skills & Experience Required
- MUST have International ER experience.
- Degree in Human Resources, Business, Psychology, Employment Law, or related discipline.
- 10+ years' experience in Employee Relations roles, with proven exposure to complex ER matters across multiple jurisdictions.
- Track record of independently leading investigations and advising senior leaders on sensitive/high-risk issues, with strong skills in facilitating difficult conversations and resolving disputes.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving ability to assess complex situations and recommend pragmatic, risk-aware solutions.
- Strong organisational and time-management skills to handle multiple cases and workstreams simultaneously.
- Experience contributing to the design, implementation, or evolution of ER governance frameworks.
- Deep knowledge of labour laws, regulatory requirements, and ER best practices across EMEA, APAC, and Canada (e.g., GDPR, whistleblower protections); familiarity with US frameworks beneficial but not essential.
- Ability to stay current on employment law developments and emerging ER trends.
- Experience working with HRIS platforms and ER/case management systems (e.g., Workday Help or similar).
Employee Relations Lead - Insurance / Financial Services employer: Oakleaf Partnership
Join a dynamic global financial services organisation that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. As an Employee Relations Lead in London, you will be part of a collaborative People team that values innovation and inclusivity, offering opportunities for continuous learning and development. With a strong focus on fair practices and compliance, this role provides a unique chance to shape ER strategies across international regions while enjoying a supportive work culture that champions diversity and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Lead - Insurance / Financial Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your experience in Employee Relations. We want you to shine, so practice common interview questions and think about how you can demonstrate your expertise in handling complex ER matters.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through real-life examples. When discussing your experience, focus on specific cases where you’ve successfully managed sensitive issues or implemented new policies. We love hearing about your achievements, so make sure to highlight them!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our team and contribute to our mission in the financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Lead - Insurance / Financial Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Employee Relations Lead role. Highlight your experience with complex ER matters and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your skills can contribute to our People team. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements in previous roles. Use specific examples of how you’ve led investigations or improved ER processes. We love seeing measurable impacts!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oakleaf Partnership
✨Know Your ER Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of employee relations, especially in the context of international regulations. Be ready to discuss specific cases you've handled and how you navigated complex issues. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience.
✨Showcase Your Investigative Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience leading investigations into sensitive matters. Think of examples where you had to gather evidence, conduct interviews, and recommend outcomes. Highlight your analytical skills and how you approach problem-solving in high-stakes situations.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the company’s business model and the financial services industry. Being able to connect your ER expertise to their specific challenges will demonstrate your strategic thinking and how you can add value to their team.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that test your ability to handle real-life ER situations. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making steps clearly. This will help interviewers see how you approach risk management and compliance in a practical context.
