At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert advice on employee relations and manage complex casework.
- Company: Join Southern Housing, a diverse and inclusive organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, healthcare cash plans, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Fixed-term contract until June 2027 with excellent growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by supporting a collaborative People service.
- Qualifications: Experience in employee relations and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The role Southern Housing is looking for 2 experienced Employee Relations Specialists to deliver high-quality ER support across our organisation. Reporting to the Lead ER Manager, you will manage complex casework, coach managers, and help us build a consistent, collaborative People service. These positions are fixed term contract until the 30 June 2027. Location: Farringdon. This role will be based at our main office and may require visits to our main offices when needed. This role operates in a hybrid way when appropriate and as agreed with your manager.
What you’ll be doing:
- Provide expert, legally compliant advice on ER matters including sickness, conduct, capability and grievance
- Support and oversee the work of an ER Advisor
- Build strong relationships with managers, colleagues, and trade union representatives
- Analyse ER data, identify trends, and provide insights to improve performance
- Support Employment Tribunal preparation, including drafting ET3 responses
- Maintain People policies and contribute to People-related projects
- Meet SLAs and respond promptly to queries via shared inbox and ticketing system
- Deputise for the Lead ER Manager when needed
- Work closely with colleagues across the wider People directorate – including Learning & Culture, Talent Acquisition and Strategic People Business Partners
- Contribute to manager capability by supporting development and delivery of upskilling sessions
What you’ll need:
- Significant experience of managing complex and multi-faced employee relations matters
- Experience of effectively managing high volume caseload
- CIPD Level 5 or qualified by experience (CIPD Level 7 desirable)
- Experience preparing papers for Employment Tribunals
- Strong knowledge of all aspects relating to employee relations
- Ability to handle sensitive and challenging situations professionally
What's in it for you:
- Pension
- Life assurance
- Healthcare cash plan
- Eyecare & dental
- Birthday leave
- Retailers discounts
- Cycle to work
- Buy & sell annual leave
- Season ticket loan
- In-house academy & career development
- Flexible working
Inclusion and Diversity: We work hard to create a diverse and inclusive culture and environment where people are respected for who they are. Encouraging inclusion is not just about protected characteristics, it’s about celebrating differences of thought, opinion, experience and perspective of each individual. We’re all different in our own way and we want our colleagues to feel comfortable, that they belong, and are safe to be themselves at work, without fear of being judged or excluded, but valued for their contribution to our One Team approach.
Employee Relations Specialists employer: Southern Housing Group
Southern Housing is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a supportive work culture in the heart of Farringdon. With a strong commitment to inclusion and diversity, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, comprehensive health plans, and opportunities for career development through our in-house academy. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a range of perks including birthday leave and retail discounts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Specialists
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Southern Housing on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the company culture and what they really value in an Employee Relations Specialist.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your ER knowledge. Be ready to discuss complex casework you've handled and how you’ve coached managers in the past. We want to see your expertise shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your analytical skills! Be prepared to talk about how you've used data to identify trends in employee relations. This will demonstrate your ability to improve performance, which is key for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Specialists
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Employee Relations Specialist role. Highlight your experience with complex casework and any relevant qualifications, like your CIPD Level 5 or 7. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Showcase Your Expertise:When writing your application, don’t hold back on showcasing your knowledge of employee relations. Mention specific examples where you've provided legally compliant advice or managed high-volume caseloads. This will help us see your expertise in action!
Be Professional Yet Personable:While it’s important to maintain professionalism, don’t forget to let your personality shine through! We value a collaborative culture, so showing us your ability to build strong relationships with managers and colleagues can really make your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts and submit your materials!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southern Housing Group
✨Know Your ER Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of employee relations, especially around sickness, conduct, and grievance matters. Being able to discuss specific cases or scenarios will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can apply it in practice.
✨Showcase Your Coaching Skills
Since the role involves coaching managers, think of examples where you've successfully guided others through complex situations. Be ready to share how you’ve built relationships and supported colleagues in the past.
✨Data is Your Friend
Prepare to talk about how you’ve used data to identify trends in employee relations. Bring examples of how your insights have led to improvements in performance or policy changes. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and proactive approach.
✨Be Ready for the Tough Questions
Expect questions about handling sensitive situations and managing high-volume caseloads. Think of specific challenges you’ve faced and how you navigated them. Showing your professionalism in tough times will impress the interviewers.
