At a Glance
- Tasks: Champion complex employee relations cases and guide leaders through organisational changes.
- Company: Join Reach, a leading media organisation connecting millions with trusted news and stories.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, extra leave for big moments, and a bonus scheme.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace valuing diverse perspectives and offering excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while building your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing sensitive ER cases and knowledge of UK&I employment legislation.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Company Description
Hello, we’re Reach. Every day, our trusted news, stories and content connect with millions of people where they live - whether that’s on their social feed or at their neighbourhood newsstand; through their local community or their take on the hot topic of the day.
We're home to more than 120 brands - from household names like the Mirror, Express, Daily Star and Daily Record, to local titles like MyLondon, BelfastLive, and the Manchester Evening News, and brands making a splash in the US like the Irish Star. It's our ability to understand people and the things that matter to them that makes us Britain and Ireland's largest commercial news publisher. We reach around 70% of the UK's online population, 10% of the US online population, and over 100 million social followers around the world, connecting with them on who they are, where they live and what they love.
Your story, with Reach
As a modern media organisation, we're much more than just news. And it takes a wide range of people and skills to serve diverse audiences, customers and communities like we do. We know everyone has their own story to tell, so we’ve built an environment where every background is respected and every day is a day to explore. We’ll help you build a career that works with your life, while giving you the space to create and grow.
Job Description
What the role involves - 6 Months FTC
- You will independently champion a portfolio of complex ER cases from inception to resolution, including dismissals, appeals, and tribunal preparation.
- When the business undergoes change, you will act as our operational anchor, guiding leaders through organisational design, restructures, and redundancy processes.
- Beyond casework, you will legally safeguard the business by virtually representing us in confidential grievances, disciplinaries, and collective consultations.
- You will keep us ahead of the curve by updating policies in line with shifting UK&I legislation, while proactively building team capability through best-practice training.
- Finally, you will collaborate with the wider HR team on strategic projects to continuously elevate our overall service delivery.
Qualifications
What You’ll Need to Succeed
- To thrive in this role, you bring a proven track record of managing a highly complex, sensitive ER caseload within a dedicated advisory or specialist environment.
- You pair in-depth, up-to-date knowledge of UK&I employment legislation with practical experience navigating change programs, organisational restructures, trade union consultations, and employment tribunal preparation.
- A CIPD qualification.
- Behaviorally, you are a pragmatic problem-solver with a commercial, solution-oriented mindset focused on balanced outcomes rather than just quoting policy.
- You possess the stakeholder management skills to quickly build trust, establish credible relationships, and confidently challenge leaders at all levels.
- Fast-paced and resilient, you manage competing priorities with agility while helping others focus.
- You communicate complex legal advice with clarity, and you demonstrate the strong collaborative judgment needed to work seamlessly across the wider People function, knowing exactly when to escalate for the best outcome.
Additional Information
How we'll look after you
We take good care of our people - and that means more than just a pay packet. Whatever your role, you'll get a range of benefits, including:
- 25 days' holiday (plus bank holidays), as well as an extra day after you've been with us for three, five and 10 years. We also have a scheme to help you buy extra holiday if you want to.
- An extra day's paid leave each year to volunteer for a cause close to your community or your heart.
- Big moment day - an extra day’s paid leave for a moment that matters to you - like getting married, moving house or welcoming a new addition to the family (human or furry!).
- Bonus scheme - you'll get a stake in our success and a chance to add to your annual earnings.
- Help saving for your retirement - we'll match your company pension contributions up to 6% and you can contribute through salary sacrifice.
- Supportive and progressive people policies - we’re proud to have a range of policies to support people in their lives in and outside work, including enhanced family leave and policies to promote flexibility, inclusion and progression.
- A healthcare cash plan - giving you money back for a range of medical expenses and fast access to doctor's appointments.
- Car lease scheme - you can buy a brand new electric or hybrid car through our leasing partner, and pay for it through salary sacrifice.
- Wellbeing support - including a 24/7 assistance programme for you and your family.
- Financial Wellbeing – Access Stream, our app for managing your finances, pay, rewards and benefits all in one place.
- Access to lots of discounts - including 15% off with Reach's very own online marketplace, Yimbly, where you can buy everything from homewares to beauty products.
- Interest-free loans - including for season tickets and technology.
If you’re excited about this role but don’t tick every single box, please don’t let that stop you from applying. We know that everyone has their own story to tell, and we value potential, passion and the perspectives that different backgrounds bring to our work. Diverse perspectives strengthen our teams and help us better serve our audiences, which is why we’re dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and supported. As an equal opportunities employer, we encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to a recruitment process that is fair and welcoming to all, without discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.
Employee Relations Advisor - 6 Month FTC employer: Reach
At Reach, we pride ourselves on being more than just a media organisation; we are a community that values diverse stories and backgrounds. Our supportive work culture is complemented by a comprehensive benefits package, including generous holiday allowances, volunteer days, and a bonus scheme, all designed to promote employee well-being and growth. With a commitment to inclusivity and professional development, we empower our employees to thrive in their careers while making meaningful contributions to the communities we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Advisor - 6 Month FTC
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies
Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.
✨Network at HR Events and Workshops
Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at Reach and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Advisor - 6 Month FTC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!
Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!
Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at Reach. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reach
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at Reach, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools
Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that Reach uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.
✨Your Motivation Matters
As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at Reach.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at Reach.