HR Manager in Southampton

Overview

MCA Job Description

Role details

• Role Title: HR Manager
• Location: HQ Southampton
• Grade: HEO
• Directorate: Corporate Services
• Reports To: HR Employee Relations Lead
• Direct Reports: 1
• Indirect Reports: 0

Area of work

The Directorate of Corporate Services is responsible for the effective delivery of Corporate Services to the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA). Corporate Services includes Communications, IT, Procurement, Finance, Health & Safety, Human Resources, Internal Audit and Assurance, Programme Management Office, and Property & Facilities.

Human Resources is a key enabling function responsible for the planning and delivery of the MCA\’s People Strategy and a full range of HR services including organisational design and development, talent management, employee relations, volunteer support, reward and resourcing, planning and Governance.

Role Purpose

The role holder will be responsible for providing expert support and guidance on employee relations matters. This includes managing a caseload of HR cases that range from routine to complex, ensuring a fair, consistent and timely resolution in line with employment law and MCA policy. The role holder will work closely with managers and stakeholders to help foster a positive workplace culture, mitigate risk and uphold best practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of employee relations cases that include disciplinary, grievance, attendance, probation and redundancy.
• Provide support with the management of employment tribunals and personal injury claims, working in partnership with senior leaders, legal teams and witnesses to gather and prepare evidence, whilst ensuring individuals are supported throughout the process.
• Work in collaboration with the HR Business Partnering team to ensure effective use of the MCA’s performance management process, driving high performance and ensuring poor performance is addressed appropriately.
• Lead on relevant policy changes, including implementation, communication to the business, and changes to the Staff Handbook.
• Monitor and maintain up to date casework MI, identifying trends and risks, whilst proactively identifying solutions.
• Promote continuous improvement and efficiency in employee relations processes, working closely with managers and HR colleagues to review case outcome recommendations, ensuring any actions are carried out promptly and in accordance with MCA procedures.
• Ensure timely appointment of investigation, decision, and appeal managers, providing appropriate training.
• To ensure adherence to government requirements, statutory legislation and agreed timescales. Providing coaching and support to managers as and when required.

Civil Service Behaviours

The Behaviours shown will be assessed during the recruitment process however, all Maritime and Coastguard Agency employees are expected to meet the Civil Service Behaviours at their level.

• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace
• Managing a Quality Service
• Communicating and Influencing

Essential Minimum Criteria

Qualification:

• CIPD (Level 5) or be willing to work towards

Experience:

• Demonstrable knowledge of employment law and experience of complex casework management.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, with the ability to effectively manage shifting priorities.
• Ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders including senior managers and external service providers.

Special Features of the role

• UK wide travel including some overnights is expected within the role.

Prepared by / HR approved

• Prepared by: Abi Allen
• Date: 14/04/2025
• HR approved: James Rapson
• Date: 14/04/2025