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 with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping employee relations strategies in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in Employee Relations with international experience and strong 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 in London employer: Oakleaf Partnership
Join a leading global financial services organisation that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Our London-based team fosters a collaborative work culture, offering extensive training and development opportunities while ensuring compliance with international standards. As an Employee Relations Lead, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our ER strategy, supported by a diverse and inclusive environment that values your expertise and insights.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Lead - Insurance / Financial Services in London
✨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 own. We recommend practising common interview questions and even role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence before the big day.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! During interviews, be ready to discuss your experience with complex ER matters and how you've successfully navigated sensitive situations. We want to hear about your problem-solving skills and how you can contribute to our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in joining our team. We’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Lead - Insurance / Financial Services in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Employee Relations Lead role. Highlight your international ER experience and any specific cases you've handled that align with the job description. We want to see how your background fits perfectly with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about employee relations and how your skills can contribute to our People team. Be sure to mention any relevant frameworks or policies you've developed in the past.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of complex ER matters you've navigated successfully. We love seeing how you approach difficult conversations and resolve disputes, so don't hold back on those stories!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
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 too.
✨Showcase Your Investigative Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience leading workplace investigations. Think of examples where you had to gather evidence, conduct interviews, and recommend outcomes. Highlight your analytical skills and how you approach sensitive matters, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the company's overall People strategy and how Employee Relations fits into it. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to developing a robust ER framework and ensure compliance with global practices. This shows you’re aligned with their goals.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving abilities. Prepare by thinking through potential workplace issues and how you would handle them. This will demonstrate your critical thinking and ability to manage risk effectively.
