At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage complex employee relations cases and coach managers for a collaborative workplace.
- Company: Join Southern Housing, a forward-thinking organisation focused on people and culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in employee relations and enhance workplace culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing employee relations and CIPD Level 5 or equivalent.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for career advancement and impactful projects.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Southern Housing is looking for an experienced Employee Relations Manager 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.
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
- 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
This role will be based at our main office in Farringdon 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 need:
- Significant experience of managing complex and multi-faceted 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
In your supporting statement, it is important that you address how you meet each of the above six criteria providing real examples.
Closing Date: 8th of April 2026 (Wednesday) at 23:59
Shortlisting Date: from 9th of April 2026
Interview Date: interviews and tests will take place in the week commencing 20th of April 2026
Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to submit your application and supporting statement as soon as possible so your application can be reviewed and considered.
Employee Relations Manager employer: Southern Housing
Contact Detail:
Southern Housing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Southern Housing on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common ER scenarios. Think about how you'd handle complex cases and be ready to share your experiences. We want to see your problem-solving skills in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your analytical skills! Be ready to discuss how you've used data to improve employee relations in the past. We love candidates who can turn numbers into actionable insights.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Southern Housing.
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure to address each of the six criteria mentioned in the job description. Use real examples from your experience that showcase how you meet these requirements. This is your chance to shine, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon and make sure your points are easy to understand. We want to see your skills without having to sift through unnecessary fluff!
Showcase Your ER Expertise: Highlight your experience with complex employee relations matters and any relevant qualifications like CIPD. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make sure we know you’ve got the chops!
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the vacancy early if we get a lot of applications, so get yours in as soon as you can. Head over to our website and let’s get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southern Housing
✨Know Your ER Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of employee relations, especially around sickness, conduct, capability, and grievance. Be ready to discuss real-life examples where you've managed complex cases or provided expert advice, as this will show you’re the right fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Coaching Skills
Since you'll be coaching managers, think about times when you've successfully guided others through challenging situations. Prepare to share these experiences during the interview, highlighting your ability to build strong relationships and foster collaboration.
✨Data-Driven Insights
Southern Housing values data analysis, so come prepared with examples of how you've used ER data to identify trends and improve performance. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and your proactive approach to enhancing employee relations.
✨Tailor Your Supporting Statement
Don’t forget to address each of the six criteria in your supporting statement with specific examples. This is your chance to shine, so make it clear how your experience aligns with what they’re looking for. The more tailored your response, the better!