At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex employee relations initiatives and manage sensitive cases across various departments.
- Company: Join Sysco GB, a leading foodservice distributor with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, private healthcare, pension scheme, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Home-based role with flexible travel to various UK locations.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on workplace culture while navigating complex employee relations issues.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 qualification and experience in large-scale organisations required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Sysco GB (whose operating companies are made up of Brakes, Fresh Direct, Kent Frozen Foods, Medina, Campbells Prime Meat & Fairfax Meadow) are recruiting for two Employee Relations Partners on a full-time, permanent basis. Ideally, you will be located within the Reading or London area, or the Warrington or Manchester region. Reporting to the Head of Employment Relations, you will lead complex employee relations initiatives, managing complex cases including tribunal.
The role will have clear geographical responsibilities across all departments and partner with leadership to develop and implement strategies that foster a positive, productive and legally compliant work environment. You will serve as an expert in employee relations, supporting the development of policies, handling sensitive and high-profile issues, and providing guidance to leaders at all levels of the organisation. This role is primarily home-based, with flexibility to travel up to two days per week. Travel will include visits to London, Manchester and other depot locations across the UK for senior leadership meetings, engagement with third-party partners, and supporting complex casework. A full clean driving license is required.
Key Responsibilities:- Named contact for Addleshaws, HR and senior leadership in a geographical area of the business.
- Providing both practical as well as strategic guidance on complex employee relations issues and ensuring adherence to company policies, legal compliance, mitigation, reputational and minimising commercial risk.
- Leading the development and implementation of programs, initiatives along with supporting material that improve employee and industrial relations, and overall workplace culture.
- Leading with complex cases which require a multi-departmental approach including HR, H&S, legal and line management teams to resolution, ensuring fair and consistent outcomes. This would include legal cases such as tribunals, judicial mediation or ACAS claims.
- Leading the review and development of employee relations policies, procedures, standard operating processes to ensure they are up to date with current legal standards and reflect best practices.
- Facilitating the communication and implementation of revised policies, processes and best practices across the organisation, ensuring broad understanding and consistent application.
- In conjunction with Head of ER, designing training programs and supporting materials for line managers on best practices in employee relations, conflict resolution, and workplace behaviour and working with third parties such as Unions and Occupational Health.
- Developing resources and tools to support managers in effectively handling day-to-day employee relations issues and fostering an inclusive work environment.
- Supporting the head of ER when working in partnership with the leadership team, our legal providers to identify potential areas of high risk related to employee relations and advise leadership on preventive measures to mitigate risks such as litigation (Tribunals, judicial mediation & ACAS).
About you:
We are looking for a highly skilled Employee Relations Partner who thrives in complex environments and can confidently navigate challenging employee relations issues from diagnosis through to resolution. You will bring strong analytical capability to identify root causes and implement solutions that strengthen organisational culture while balancing commercial priorities and reputational risk. As a trusted expert in conflict resolution, you will manage sensitive and complex cases with fairness and integrity, influencing positive, sustainable outcomes.
With experience in Employee Relations and a minimum CIPD Level 5 qualification, you will have operated within large-scale organisations (circa 5,000+ employees), ideally across retail, distribution, or manufacturing sectors. You will be equally comfortable working across both blue-collar and white-collar populations and have significant experience with trade unions, including collective bargaining, wage negotiations, and wider industrial relations (IAR and target unions). Strong stakeholder management is essential, as you will partner with senior leadership teams and work autonomously across multiple priorities.
You will also bring experience working with external partners such as occupational health providers, legal advisors, and ER triage services, alongside a strong understanding of employment law, high ethical standards, and a passion for developing others in best practice employee relations.
The role is home-based, with frequent weekly travel to different sites across GB and comes with a competitive base salary, attractive car allowance of £5500 per annum, private healthcare, competitive pension scheme, an additional holiday purchase scheme, award-winning products at virtually cost price and a range of perks and discounts through our online benefits platform.
Employee Relations Partner in Slough employer: Sysco
Sysco GB is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a flexible home-based role for the Employee Relations Partner with travel opportunities across key UK locations. With a strong commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture, employees benefit from competitive salaries, generous car allowances, private healthcare, and a comprehensive pension scheme, alongside unique perks such as discounted award-winning products. Join a dynamic team where your expertise in employee relations will be valued and where you can make a meaningful impact on organisational culture and compliance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Partner in Slough
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Sysco!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Sysco.
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Partner in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Sysco. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Sysco and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Sysco. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Sysco's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sysco
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Sysco.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Sysco will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Sysco and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
