RAFAKidz Employee Relations Specialist

RAFAKidz Employee Relations Specialist

Based in Leicester (LE3 1UT), with hybrid working available upon successful completion of probation.

The role is expected to be office-based for a minimum of three days per week, with up to two days working from home.

• UK driving licence essential for this role
• Join RAFAKidz and Help Shape a Positive Employee Experience

At RAFAKidz, we are committed to providing exceptional childcare and early years education to children of RAF families across the UK.

We are looking for an experienced and proactive Employee Relations Specialist to join our growing HR team and play a key role in supporting managers, strengthening employee relations practices, and promoting a positive workplace culture across the organisation.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced HR professional to make a significant impact within a purpose-driven organisation.

Working closely with managers and senior leaders, you will provide expert advice on a broad range of employee relations matters, ensuring cases are managed fairly, consistently and in line with employment legislation and organisational policy.

RAFAKidz is a multi-award-winning nursery group located on, or close to, RAF and MOD stations throughout the UK.

Our nurseries are designed to meet the childcare needs of both military and civilian families.

Every day, we create experiences that are special, unique and child-focused.

For every child who comes through our doors, regardless of their ability, background or circumstances, we provide opportunities that help them grow, build confidence and reach their full potential.

As our Employee Relations Specialist, you will join us at an exciting time in the development of our People function.

You will act as the organisation's subject matter expert for employee relations, supporting managers to navigate complex people matters while ensuring organisational risk is appropriately managed.

Bringing your expertise, sound judgement and people-focused approach, you will play a vital role in enhancing management capability, supporting organisational change, and ensuring our people practices reflect the values of RAFAKidz.

Key Responsibilities

• Employee Relations
• Provide expert advice and guidance on complex employee relations matters.
• Support and advise managers on disciplinary, grievance, capability, absence management and appeal processes.
• Conduct and support workplace investigations where required.
• Ensure employee relations cases are managed consistently and in line with employment legislation and best practice.
• Support the resolution of workplace disputes and employee concerns.
• Organisational Change & Policy Development
• Support organisational change initiatives, including consultations, restructures and TUPE transfers.
• Develop, review and update HR policies and procedures.
• Ensure people policies reflect current legislation and best practice.
• Management Support & Development
• Coach and mentor managers on employee relations issues.
• Design and deliver training to improve management capability.
• Support managers to build positive and productive working environments.
• Continuous Improvement
• Analyse employee relations trends and workforce data.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and reduce organisational risk.
• Support initiatives that enhance employee engagement and retention.

About You

You will be an experienced HR professional who thrives on building positive working relationships and providing practical, commercially focused advice.

Essential Experience and Skills

• CIPD Level 5 qualification or equivalent experience.
• Significant experience managing complex employee relations cases.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Experience advising managers across a broad range of employee relations matters.
• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong investigation, problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work independently.
• High levels of discretion and confidentiality.

Desirable Experience

• CIPD Level 7 qualification.
• Experience supporting organisational change and TUPE processes.
• Experience working within the Early Years, education, charity or military sectors.
• Knowledge of the RAF community and the challenges faced by military families.
• Experience using HR information systems, including Cezanne.

What We're Looking For

• Passionate about creating positive workplace cultures.
• Fair, objective and solutions-focused.
• Confident advising and challenging managers where appropriate.
• Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
• Values-driven and aligned with the RAFAKidz ethos.
• Committed to safeguarding and promoting best practice.
• Additional Information
• The successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
• Occasional travel to nursery settings and meetings will be required.
• Flexibility to work additional hours on occasion may be required, with time off in lieu provided.

Why Join RAFAKidz?

At RAFAKidz, you'll be part of a supportive and dedicated team committed to making a positive difference to children, families and communities across the RAF.

You'll have the opportunity to influence organisational culture, support leadership development, and help create an environment where colleagues can thrive.

• What you can expect from us
• Up to 33 days' annual leave
• Company sick pay and life insurance
• Health cashback plan and free virtual GP service
• Mental health and wellbeing support
• Discounted gym membership
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Unlimited Refer a Friend bonus payments
• Subsidised short breaks at selected RAFA accommodation
• Close to Leicester Forest East Park & Ride

RAFAKidz and the RAF Association is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

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