At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex employee relations cases and provide expert guidance to managers.
- Company: Join a dynamic HR team supporting over 5,500 colleagues.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, healthcare support, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and training across various UK locations.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your HR skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in employee relations and a solid understanding of UK employment law.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
Location: Runcorn, UK
Salary: Up to £45,000 (dependent on experience)
Working Hours: Monday - Friday, 09:00 - 17:15
We are seeking a confident and experienced Employee Relations Specialist to join our HR team, supporting a workforce of over 5,500 colleagues. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys navigating complex employee matters, working at pace, and influencing fair, pragmatic outcomes across a large and varied organisation.
As a key member of the HR function, you will take ownership of complex employee relations activity, providing clear, balanced advice that aligns with both legal requirements and business priorities. You will play an integral role in maintaining consistency, reducing risk, and strengthening management capability across the organisation.
Key responsibilities:- Lead on complex and sensitive employee relations cases, offering expert guidance to managers and stakeholders
- Oversee a busy caseload covering disciplinary, grievance, performance, and absence matters
- Support dispute resolution processes including early conciliation and mediation, and assist with tribunal preparation
- Develop line manager capability through coaching, advice, and practical support
- Partner with senior HR colleagues and business leaders to shape and improve ER approaches
- Review and enhance policies and processes to ensure they remain effective and compliant
- Provide on-site support and deliver training across UK locations where required
- Strong background in employee relations within a fast-paced, high-volume environment (retail or distribution experience advantageous)
- Solid understanding of UK employment legislation and its practical application
- CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent experience)
- Demonstrated experience handling conciliation processes and preparing for employment tribunals
- Skilled communicator with the ability to influence and build credibility at all levels
- Professional, discreet, and confident managing sensitive situations
- Comfortable using HR systems and Microsoft Office (experience with iTrent beneficial)
- Competitive salary up to £45,000
- 22 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), increasing with service
- Medicash plan to help with everyday healthcare costs
- Financial wellbeing support via flexible pay access tools
- Retail discounts and employee offers
- Employee Assistance Programme for additional support
- Contributory pension scheme
- Hybrid working options following onboarding (typically 3 days on-site, 2 days remote)
Employee Relations Specialist in Birmingham employer: PHOENIX Medical Supplies
Join a dynamic HR team in Runcorn as an Employee Relations Specialist, where you will have the opportunity to influence and shape employee relations practices across a diverse workforce of over 5,500 colleagues. Our supportive work culture prioritises employee wellbeing, offering competitive salaries, generous leave, and hybrid working options, alongside robust professional development opportunities to enhance your career in a fast-paced environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Specialist in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees in the company or industry on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching common employee relations scenarios. Think about how you'd handle them and be ready to share your insights during the chat.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring examples of past experiences where you've successfully navigated complex employee matters. This will demonstrate your expertise and confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you're serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Specialist in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Employee Relations Specialist role. Highlight your experience in handling complex employee matters and any relevant qualifications, like your CIPD Level 5. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our HR team!
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 background aligns with our needs. Be sure to mention any specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to influence fair outcomes in a fast-paced environment.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As an Employee Relations Specialist, strong communication is key. In your application, make sure to convey your ability to build credibility and influence at all levels. We love seeing examples of how you've successfully navigated sensitive situations in the past!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at PHOENIX Medical Supplies
✨Know Your Employee Relations Stuff
Make sure you brush up on UK employment legislation and its practical application. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated complex employee relations cases in the past, as this will show your expertise and confidence in handling sensitive situations.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an Employee Relations Specialist, you'll need to influence and build credibility with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with managers and employees, especially in challenging scenarios. This will highlight your ability to handle disputes and provide clear guidance.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to discuss specific instances where you've successfully resolved employee relations issues. Think about how you approached disciplinary or grievance matters and what outcomes you achieved. This will showcase your capability to manage a busy caseload and support dispute resolution processes.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about their current employee relations strategies and how they support their HR team. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
