Employee Relations Partner in Belfast

The role of Employee Relations Partner will report to the Head of Employee Relations and support the development and implementation of the University's Employee Relations framework, with particular responsibility for leading the development and review of Employee Relations policies. The post holder will work collaboratively with HR Business Partners, key stakeholders and recognised Trade Union representatives in managing a structured P&C policy review schedule, ensuring policies remain current, legally compliant, and aligned with best practice and institutional priorities.

The post holder will also work collaboratively across key stakeholders to provide expert professional advice on complex employee relations matters, ensuring consistency of approach and alignment with employment legislation and sector best practice. In addition, the role will provide senior level case management for high risk and sensitive matters, including disciplinary, complaints, redundancy, and related processes.

To be successful in this role, you must meet the following essential criteria:

• A primary or higher degree and/or postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional qualification in a relevant subject.
• Significant relevant experience demonstrating ability in an appropriate professional or specialist capacity in similar or related Employee Relations roles in a large/complex organisation OR substantial relevant vocational experience demonstrating ability in an appropriate professional or specialist capacity in similar or related Employee Relations roles in a large/complex organisation.
• Significant relevant experience (professional experience in similar or related HR role(s)). This will include demonstrating:

• Experience in developing, delivering and evaluating policies.
• Experience of engaging with Trade Unions or similar representative bodies.
• Proven experience of handling complex employee relations cases.
• Demonstrable sound knowledge and understanding of Northern Ireland employment legislation.
• A proven track record formally implementing and advising on regulations, rules, policies and procedures in relation to employee relations matters.

Beyond a competitive salary, the University offers an attractive benefits package including a holiday entitlement of up to 8.4 weeks a year, pension schemes and development opportunities. We support staff wellbeing with flexible working options, work-life balance initiatives and support for physical and mental health.

Queen's University is committed to promoting equality of opportunity to all. We subscribe to Equality Charter Marks such as the Diversity Charter Mark NI and Athena Swan and have established staff networks such as iRise (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and International Staff Network) and PRISM (LGBTQ+) which help us progress equality.

If you are an international applicant and don't already hold a visa that permits you to take up the role you are applying for, please use the information provided on our website to self-assess whether the University is likely to be able to support a visa application.