At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in handling employee relations cases and coach managers to resolve issues effectively.
- Company: National multi-site employer with a focus on professionalising employee relations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and strong benefits package.
- Other info: Join a dynamic environment where your work is valued and career growth is encouraged.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by transforming how employee relations are managed and preventing issues.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in UK employee relations with expertise in complex casework and employment law.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 78000 £ per year.
- Employee Relations Director
- Manchester or London, UK (Hybrid)
About The Role
We're representing a national multi-site employer — 6,000+ people across retail and logistics — professionalising how it handles the hard stuff.
Case volumes are up, managers are stretched, and the business wants ER treated as a craft, not an inbox.
This is for the ER specialist who's quietly brilliant at the work nobody sees when it goes right — and who's ready to lead it rather than just carry it.
- What You'd Own
- Lead a small ER team handling disciplinaries, grievances, absence, and performance cases end-to-end
- Own collective matters: consultation, union relationships, and restructure support done properly
- Coach line managers to handle the 80% of cases that should never reach HR
- Build the case-management rhythm : triage, SLAs, and data the People Director can act on
- Manage tribunal risk hands-on: ACAS early conciliation, witness prep, working with counsel
- Spot the patterns behind the cases and fix the system, not just the symptom
- What You'll Bring
- 7+ years in UK employee relations, with depth in complex and collective casework
- Solid working command of UK employment law, you know when to hold and when to call the lawyers
- Experience with unionised or multi-site workforces
- Evidence of reducing case volumes or tribunal exposure, not just processing them
- The judgment to be firm, fair, and human in the same conversation
- You'll Thrive Here If
- You're the person colleagues bring the messy ones to — and you like that
- You believe most ER problems are management-capability problems wearing a disguise
- You want your work measured in problems prevented, not cases closed
Compensation
£65,000–£78,000 base + bonus. Hybrid working, strong benefits.
Data Privacy & Consent
The Talent Lever is the data controller for the personal data you submit with your application.
We process your data on the basis of your consent and our legitimate interest in providing recruitment services, in accordance with the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Your data will be used to assess your suitability for this role, will be shared with our client only with your prior knowledge, and will be retained for up to 24 months unless you ask us to delete it sooner.
You have the right to access, correct, or erase your data, to restrict or object to its processing, and to withdraw consent at any time by contacting .
You will not be subject to automated decision-making.
By applying, you also consent to receive communications from The Talent Lever about job opportunities that may suit your profile.
You can opt out of these communications at any time.
Don't tick every box?
Apply anyway.
Most people won't put themselves forward unless they meet every line — we'd rather you did.
We know our clients well.
If you're close, we'll champion you and advise them accordingly.
Employee Relations Director in London employer: The Talent Lever
As an Employee Relations Director at our national multi-site organisation, you'll be part of a dynamic team dedicated to transforming employee relations into a respected craft. With a strong focus on professional development, we offer hybrid working arrangements and competitive compensation, alongside robust benefits that support your well-being. Our culture encourages collaboration and innovation, providing you with the opportunity to lead impactful change while fostering a supportive environment for both employees and managers alike.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Director in London
✨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 The Talent Lever!
✨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 The Talent Lever.
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Director in London
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 The Talent Lever. 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 The Talent Lever 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 The Talent Lever. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to The Talent Lever'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 The Talent Lever
✨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 The Talent Lever.
✨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 The Talent Lever 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 The Talent Lever and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
