At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a positive workplace by managing employee relations and resolving issues.
- Company: Join The Works, a top-rated company inspiring creativity and learning.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, discounts, and access to training and development.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a role that fosters creativity and inclusivity.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR or employee relations with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location Hybrid: 1-2 days at our Support Centre in Coleshill, Birmingham.
We don’t just sell products. We inspire reading, learning, creativity and play. The Works literally means everything. And whatever your story or background, we’re all about unlocking imagination and making creativity accessible to everyone. Whether you’re engaging with customers on the frontline or supporting our colleagues behind the scenes, your impact can be profound and far-reaching. This is more than toys and books and art supplies. This is about inspiring people to read, learn, create and play.
As an ER Partner reporting to the People Services Manager, your role is essential in fostering a positive and compliant work environment. You will leverage your HR expertise to manage and resolve employee relations issues, provide high-level guidance and support to managers and employees, and ensure adherence to company policies and employment laws. Your proactive approach and organisational skills will help you seek out tasks and assist where needed, while your strong communication abilities will enable you to build and develop relationships and keep everyone informed. Engaging in meetings, being a team player, and maintaining attention to detail are crucial aspects of your role. Additionally, your empathy, adaptability, and conflict resolution skills will be vital in handling grievances, high-risk disciplinary actions, and performance management effectively.
Your Mission
- Liaising with Solicitors to reduce the risk of cases going to tribunal.
- Manage and resolve employee relations issues, including grievances, disciplinary actions, and performance management.
- Provide guidance and support to managers and employees.
- Ensure adherence to company policies and employment laws.
- Offer advice and support on policy interpretation and application.
- Support HR initiatives and projects, including employee engagement, retention, and development programs.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of employee relations cases, including meeting notes, disciplinary actions, and performance reviews.
- Communicate effectively with managers and employees to address concerns and provide guidance on employee relations matters.
- Provide training, coaching, and development support to managers and employees on employee relations topics.
- Offer professional, expert, best practice, and legally compliant advice, coaching, and support to cross-functional line managers on employee relations casework.
- Guide managers to formulate pragmatic and business-focused solutions balanced with policy application and employment legislation.
- Assist the Head of People Business Partnering & ER and Senior People Business Partners in preparing tribunal cases, ensuring timely documentation and information.
- Work closely with the People Partnering Administrator to oversee the management of sickness absence cases.
Skills/Behaviours That Will Set You Apart
- Strong organisational skills and a proactive approach.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Ability to manage conflicts and provide empathetic support.
- Experience in handling high-risk disciplinary actions and performance management.
- Keen attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
- Strategic thinking and planning capabilities.
- Proven experience in employee relations or a similar HR role.
- Strong knowledge of employment laws and regulations.
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
- Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Our PERKS really are ‘The Works’
- 25% Colleague Discount! - Plus, exclusive Double Discount days!
- Access exclusive online discounts across hundreds of retailers, holidays, utilities deals, tech and more.
- Enjoy some time well spent with enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay.
- 33 days holiday including bank holidays.
- Purchase an additional 5 days holiday.
- Grow your skills and career with instant access to further training and development in areas that interest you.
- Claim early access to 50% of your wages as you earn them.
- Unleash your inner Monopoly mogul and own a piece of The Works!
- 24/7 support for you and your family through our partnership with the Retail Trust.
- Healthcare Cash Plan to support your everyday healthcare costs.
- Long Service Awards, pension, life assurance, Cycle to Work and optional charity giving.
Our Purpose
To inspire reading, learning, creativity and play.
Our Values
- We are Crafty | Smart with what we’ve got.
- We are Caring | Heart in every action.
- We are Can-do | Energy that gets it done.
Each year, we run an anonymous colleague engagement survey. This is so important for us to hear your feedback and suggestions. We want to know what’s going great, and what needs a couple of tweaks to help make The Works the best place you’ve ever worked! You’ll have opportunity to help give us that direction.
Promoting Diversity, Inclusion, and Applying Reasonable Adjustments
At The Works, we are proud to have an inclusive culture where everyone truly feels able to be themselves. Our roles are open to all, including under-represented groups such as ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, carers & members of the LGBTQ+ community. We are open to discussions around working hours and flexible working. If you need reasonable adjustments for an interview, let us know in your application and we’ll be happy to help!
Employee Relations Partner employer: The Works Stores Ltd
The Works is an inspiring employer that prioritises creativity, learning, and employee well-being, making it a fantastic place to grow your career as an Employee Relations Partner. With a supportive work culture, generous benefits including 33 days of holiday, family-friendly leave, and access to ongoing training through the Can-Do Academy, employees are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally. Located in Coleshill, Birmingham, the company fosters an inclusive environment where every voice is valued, ensuring that you can make a meaningful impact while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn and ask about their experiences. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching The Works' values and mission. Show us how your skills align with our goal of inspiring creativity and learning. We love candidates who resonate with our purpose!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, especially around conflict resolution and employee relations. We want to see your problem-solving skills in action, so be ready to share examples!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows us that you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at The Works.
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for employee relations shine through! We want to see how you can inspire creativity and support our colleagues, so share your story and what drives you in this field.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Employee Relations Partner. Highlight your HR expertise, conflict management skills, and any relevant experience that aligns with our mission at The Works. We love seeing how your background fits with our values!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. Remember, attention to detail is key, so double-check for any typos or errors before hitting send!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at The Works!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Works Stores Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you brush up on your knowledge of employment laws and company policies. The Works values compliance, so being able to discuss relevant legislation and how it applies to employee relations will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
As an Employee Relations Partner, you'll need to handle sensitive issues with care. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed conflicts or supported colleagues through tough situations. This will demonstrate your ability to empathise and resolve issues effectively.
✨Be a Team Player
The Works emphasises collaboration, so be ready to discuss how you've worked with others in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and how you've built relationships with managers and employees alike. This will show that you can foster a positive work environment.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to face situational questions during the interview. Think about how you would approach real-life employee relations issues, such as handling grievances or disciplinary actions. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your thought process and problem-solving skills.
