Employee Relations Lead

Employee Relations Lead

Full-Time 56700 - 69300 £ / year (est.) Hybrid
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead employee relations, manage grievances, and improve processes for a thriving workplace.
  • Company: Fast-growing logistics startup reshaping e-commerce with innovative solutions.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse team culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on continuous improvement and teamwork.
  • Why this job: Join a mission-driven team making online shopping seamless and accessible for everyone.
  • Qualifications: Experience in employee relations and knowledge of UK employment law required.

The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.

the company is fundamentally reshaping how goods move in an online era.

Backed by Europe’s largest-ever logistics Series A ($35M) led by deep-tech investors Plural, and a recently closed Series B ($95M), the company is scaling faster than 99% of venture-backed startups.

We're assembling the most talent-dense team the logistics industry has ever seen the company’s Mission is to free commerce from friction.

Today, high delivery costs act as a hidden tax on e-commerce, quietly shaping what can be sold online and limiting who can participate.

We envision a world where more goods move more freely between more people, making the online shopping experience seamless and accessible to everyone.

  • THE TEAM
  • ~160 people, around half in engineering, product and data
  • 45+ advanced degrees across computer science, mathematics and operations research
  • Thousands of data points captured, calculated, analysed and predicted for every single parcel we handle
  • An intellectually vibrant culture of first‑principles thinking, tight feedback loops and relentless experimentation

What you'll do

Own complex ER cases end to end, including grievances, disciplinary and conduct matters, ensuring fair investigations, clear outcomes and strong case records.

  • Advise and coach site managers so they can confidently handle lower-level employee relations issues themselves.
  • Manage legal risk, including early conciliation, tribunal preparation and external employment counsel where required.
  • Build and improve ER processes, using case data and recurring themes to strengthen policies, escalation routes, training and early‑warning indicators.
  • Create a scalable ER framework that can be applied consistently across existing and new sites and stays aligned with employment law changes.
  • Be highly visible on site, building trust with operatives and managers and helping sites prepare proactively for peak periods and increased case volumes.

Who Will Thrive in This Role?

Strong end-to-end ER case management experience across grievances, disciplinary and conduct matters

  • Good working knowledge of UK employment law, including early conciliation and tribunal preparation
  • Experience in high-volume, multi‑site operational environments
  • Strong, calm communication skills, particularly in sensitive or conflict situations
  • Experience improving ER processes and using case data to identify and communicate risk
  • Comfortable travelling to sortation centres around 1–2 days per week

Desirable

  • Experience supporting flexible, agency, contractor or platform‑based workforces
  • CIPD Level 5+ or equivalent employment law expertise

Who Thrives at the company?

  • Aim with Precision: You define problems clearly and measure your impact meticulously.
  • Play to Win: You chase bold bets, tackle the hard stuff, and view constraints as fuel, not friction.
  • 1% Better Every Day: You believe that small, consistent improvements lead to exponential growth. You move quickly, deliver results, and learn from every experience.
  • All In, All the Time: You show up and step up. You take ownership from start to finish and do what it takes to deliver when it counts.
  • People-Powered Greatness: You invest in your teammates. You give and receive feedback with care and candour. You build trust through high standards and shared success.
  • Grow the Whole Pie: You seek out win‑win solutions for merchants, couriers, and our customers, because when they thrive, so do we.

If these resonate, and you combine strong technical fundamentals with entrepreneurial drive, let’s connect.

the company is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and fostering a workplace where everyone thrives.

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Employee Relations Lead employer: Relay

Relay is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our London Sort Centre where innovation meets operational excellence. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to contribute to our mission of transforming logistics. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion, combined with competitive benefits and a fast-paced, intellectually stimulating atmosphere, makes Relay a truly rewarding place to work.

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Contact Details:

Relay Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Lead

✨Join HR Networks

Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!

✨Make Your Presence Known

Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Relay!

✨Leverage Your University Connections

If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.

✨Showcase Your HR Passion

Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Relay.

We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Lead

End-to-End Employee Relations Case Management
Knowledge of UK Employment Law
Grievance Handling
Disciplinary Procedures
Conflict Resolution
Process Improvement
Data Analysis for Risk Identification

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Relay. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Relay and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.

Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Relay. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Relay's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.

How to prepare for a job interview at Relay

✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices

As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Relay.

✨Know Your Recruitment Tools

Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!

✨Highlight Your People Skills

A full-time HR role at Relay will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.

✨Stay Current with HR Trends

Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Relay and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.