Employee Relations Manager in Bedford

On behalf of UK Fusion Energy (UKFE), we are looking for a Employee Relations Manager (Inside IR35) for a 12 months contract based in West Burton 3 days a week in the office Fusion energy has the potential to provide safe, low-carbon, sustainable baseload power that can help deliver energy security and support the transition to net zero. UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) is leading the delivery of the UK's flagship fusion programme, STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production), an ambitious national project to develop a prototype fusion power plant by 2040. Working alongside the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and key industrial partners, UKFE is helping to create a world-leading fusion industry and supply chain that will transform the future of clean energy. This is a unique opportunity to join a pioneering organisation at the forefront of scientific, engineering and technological innovation. Reporting to the Head of People, the Employee Relations Manager will lead the development and delivery of UKFE's employee relations strategy, helping to create a positive, inclusive and high-performing workplace culture. This role combines strategic leadership with operational expertise, ensuring effective management of complex employee relations issues while building leadership capability, reducing people risk and supporting organisational growth. You will work closely with leaders across UKFE, UKAEA and partner organisations to provide expert guidance on employee relations, workforce change and workplace culture. As a Employee Relations Manager, your main responsibilities will be: * Develop and implement UKFE's employee relations strategy, policies and frameworks to support organisational objectives and foster a positive employee experience. * Lead and manage complex employee relations cases, including disciplinary, grievance, performance, capability, conduct and attendance matters. * Provide expert advice and coaching to leaders and managers, building confidence and capability in managing people issues effectively. * Support organisational change, growth and transformation programmes, providing strategic guidance on restructures, consultation processes and workforce-related risks. * Partner with colleagues across the People function to enhance employee engagement, wellbeing, inclusion and workplace culture. * Analyse employee relations data and trends, providing insight-driven reporting and recommendations to support proactive decision-making. * Build strong relationships across UKFE, UKAEA and external partners, acting as the subject matter expert for employee relations. * Ensure compliance with employment legislation, organisational policies and best practice while promoting fair and consistent people management. Essential: * CIPD Level 7 qualified (or equivalent experience) with significant employee relations experience within a complex organisation. * Proven experience managing high-risk and complex employee relations cases, supported by a strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice. * Experience coaching, influencing and advising senior leaders and managers on employee relations and workplace culture matters. * Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to build trusted relationships and influence at all levels. * Experience supporting organisational growth, transformation, change programmes or workforce restructuring initiatives. * Strong analytical, communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate people data and insights into practical solutions Desirable: * Experience within major infrastructure, engineering, energy, nuclear, construction, manufacturing, aerospace or defence environments. * Experience working within public sector, government-sponsored organisations, joint ventures or multi-organisational programme environments. * Experience designing and implementing employee relations frameworks within a growing or newly established organisation. * Mediation, workplace conflict resolution or related professional qualifications, alongside experience working in security-cleared environments. Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas. In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following 'this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different'. JBRP1_UKTJ