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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead employee relations initiatives and provide expert advice on HR matters.
- Company: Join a supportive HR team focused on modern people management.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on workplace culture and employee satisfaction.
- Qualifications: CIPD membership or equivalent experience in HR and employment law required.
- Other info: Flexibility in working hours may be needed for events and meetings.
The predicted salary is between 45500 - 50500 £ per year.
Location: Kingston Upon Thames
Salary: £45,500 - £50,500
Type: Permanent
The Role
Are you an experienced HR professional with a passion for employee relations and driving forward a fair, consistent and people-focused approach to workforce matters? We’re seeking a skilled Employee Relations Manager to join our friendly and supportive HR & OD team.
In this role, you’ll be responsible for delivering a high-quality, customer-focused ER service, providing clear, professional advice on a wide range of employee relations matters including disciplinary, grievance, and attendance management. You’ll play a key part in simplifying and improving HR policies and practice across our partner organisations, helping to shape a modern and consistent approach to people management. You’ll work closely with a Senior HR Advisor and HR & OD Apprentice, and collaborate with legal and other external partners where needed, to support effective service delivery. This is a great opportunity to influence change, support culture development, and contribute to a progressive People & OD strategy.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Work with our employment policies and approach to casework management
- Facilitate informal resolution, where possible and appropriate to do so
- Influence delivery from our shared service operations to and for RBK requirements in a planned way, where possible
- Adhere to agreed procedures to maintain effective governance and central management of terms and conditions and contracts including policy version control
- Oversee and undertake casework including attending hearings to demonstrate a responsive action to workforce issues for 2024/25 including sickness absence short term, long term and complex mental health and wellbeing
- Highlight risks of ET claims and financial exposure
- Ensure investigation timelines are monitored and escalated when delays incurred, provide mitigating actions to reduce negative impact
- Support the improvement of service delivery, visible and proactive training for policy and culture and empower the role of the manager, support good union relations and enhance outcomes for staff
- Review, develop and implement HR policies and procedures, transactional and operational processes, to contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and customer focus
- Provide specialist policy and procedural advice to all areas of HR and OD and service management
- Make recommendations to managers and identify risks and opportunities to enhance early resolution
- Oversee the management of HR formal casework, in line with standards set out, including the constitution of panels and representation
Skills & Experience
- Experience Chartered CIPD membership or equivalent knowledge and experience
- Significant experience advising managers and working in a unionised environment
- Strong understanding of employment law, HR best practice and organisational development
- Confidence in managing complex ER casework and supporting organisational change
- A collaborative, solutions-focused and professional approach
The role may occasionally be required to work irregular working patterns (with reasonable notice) in order to attend certain events and member meetings. The post holder should be able and willing to work flexibly during these periods.
Employee Relations Manager employer: Sovereign & Bale
Contact Detail:
Sovereign & Bale Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest employment laws and HR best practices. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees in similar roles. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex employee relations cases in the past. Being able to discuss these experiences will showcase your expertise and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter's approach to employee relations and their organisational culture. Tailoring your discussions around their values and practices can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in employee relations, HR best practices, and any relevant qualifications such as Chartered CIPD membership. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage complex ER casework.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for employee relations and your understanding of the role. Mention how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly your experience in a unionised environment.
Showcase Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your strong understanding of employment law and your collaborative approach. Highlight any previous successes in improving HR policies or resolving employee issues effectively.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in an HR role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sovereign & Bale
✨Showcase Your ER Expertise
Make sure to highlight your experience in employee relations during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific cases you've managed, particularly those involving complex issues like grievances or attendance management.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Employment Law
Since a strong understanding of employment law is crucial for this role, brush up on relevant legislation and be ready to discuss how it applies to real-world scenarios. This will show that you are well-prepared and knowledgeable.
✨Emphasise Collaborative Skills
The role requires working closely with various stakeholders, including HR teams and external partners. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past, especially in a unionised environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations. Think of examples where you've facilitated informal resolutions or improved HR policies, and be ready to explain your thought process.
