Strategic Employee Relations Partner (UK & Ireland) in Liverpool

PlayStation isn’t just the Best Place to Play — it’s also the Best Place to Work. Today, we’re recognized as a global leader in entertainment producing The PlayStation family of products and services including PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, PlayStation®VR, PlayStation®Plus, acclaimed PlayStation software titles from PlayStation Studios, and more. PlayStation also strives to create an inclusive environment that empowers employees and embraces diversity.

We are seeking an experienced Employee Relations Partner to support our managers, employees, and HRBP’s across UK and Ireland. You’ll work closely with a team of regional and divisional consultants, our internal Legal team and the centres of excellence in the delivery of high-level advice and direct support towards the execution of a range of change management projects e.g. TUPE’s, Redundancies, Settlements and exits. HRBPs are our clients and are looking for a seamless execution of change programs.

This role will be crucial in ensuring a level of standardisation and consistency as part of the delivery of these change projects, maintaining a focus on providing proactive (education and prevention) and reactive (administrational and collaborative) support, as well as helping drive positive employee engagement throughout the process by providing guidance and recommendations to resolve employee concerns.

This role will also act as the main point of contact for day-to-day ER queries raised by managers or employees via our internal ticketing systems (Nexus/ Service Now) alongside our whistleblowing application (Navex). Due to the direct support employees receive from their managers and PX Consultants in their regions, this role is a Center of Excellence and acts as a point of escalation, with the average number of tickets ranging from 10 to 12 a month. As more line manager training gets rolled out, the number of tickets may increase.

This role requires a strong attention to detail, exceptional interpersonal skills, strong negotiating and counselling skills. You will have the ability to multi-task, work under pressure and maintain the highest level of integrity. The successful candidate will also be a creative problem-solver, able to pivot and change direction confidently to meet the needs of the business and be recognized as a trusted advisor through their in-depth knowledge of HR policies, procedures and employment legislation.

What you’ll be doing:

• Collaborate with the People Experience Consultants, HRBP’s and Legal to review, refine, and ensure the successful delivery of change management initiatives
• Assist HRBP’s and business leaders with restructuring, redeployment and redundancy matters
• Foster effective relationships with HR teams, business leaders, and Legal
• Partner with HR and business leaders to develop proactive positive employee relations experiences.
• Balancing the needs of individual staff and the organisation, ensuring fair outcomes with legal and regulatory framework taken into account
• Strategizing and partnering with (Legal) on more complex/high risk cases
• Ensure UK and Irish employment legislation is reflected in our processes and policies
• Provide required reporting and analysis related to ER matters (e.g. HR1 form, internal reporting etc)
• Maintain the required documentation including intake and investigation notes, supporting documents and final reports
• Coach PX Consultants and managers on how to appropriately manage and resolve moderately complex ER issues
• Conduct prompt and thorough investigations into sensitive employee relations issues, and make objective recommendations based on findings
• Review and update policies and procedures relating to Conduct, Disciplinary, Grievance and Performance procedures as required
• Partner with team members to communicate and educate on policies, procedures, and compliance
• Carry out the effective process of case tracking via Service Now, supporting the provision of meaningful insights that enable leaders to address performance issues early
• Identify trends using data-driven insights and provide recommendations for improvement
• Champion a strong continuous improvement culture to ensure the deployment of scalable, simplified and standardized processes
• Support PX Consultants depending on workload
• Participate in team projects as needed

What we’re looking for:

• Minimum of 5+ years (or equivalent) of experience in a ER specialist role
• Degree level education in Employment Law/HRCIPD qualified at Level 5 (or equivalent) would be preferred
• Experience working in a complex matrix, global organisation
• Proven experience is supporting change management initiatives
• Demonstrates up-to-date knowledge of employment legislation (UK)
• Competent in using HR information systems as well as standard office software experience
• Confident in managing complex and sensitive situations, demonstrating discretion and well-reasoned decision-making.
• Previous experience in Media/Entertainment industries would be beneficial
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Benefits:

• Discretionary bonus opportunity
• Private Medical Insurance
• Dental Scheme
• 25 days holiday per year
• Subsidised Café
• Free soft drinks
• On site bar
• Access to cycle garage and showers

Please note, Sony Interactive Entertainment conducts background checks at the offer stage for all new employees (which may include criminal background checks for some roles) and will need to process personal information to support these checks.

Equal Opportunity Statement: Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, maternity or parental status, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category. We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond.