Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support employee relations by advising on complex cases and developing inclusive policies.
- Company: Join UK Biobank, a leader in health research with a focus on people development.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days of annual leave, hybrid working, and a range of wellness perks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in creating a positive workplace culture and support employees.
- Qualifications: Experience in handling grievances and strong knowledge of employment law required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and a supportive team environment.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 36000 £ per year.
Overview
Join to apply for the Employee Relations (ER) Specialist role at UK Biobank.
Application Deadline: 28 September 2025
Department: People & Development
Location: Cheadle
Compensation: £38,000 – £40,000 / year
Role Description
As an ER Specialist, you’ll play a key role in supporting our People and Development team by providing expert advice and guidance on employee relations matters. From complex casework to policy development, your work will help ensure a positive, inclusive, and legally compliant working environment across the organisation.
Responsibilities
- Advising and supporting managers on ER issues, including complex or high-risk cases
- Monitoring people data trends (e.g. absence) and developing action plans
- Supporting performance management processes and action plans
- Promoting early resolution of grievances through mediation or facilitated conversations
- Leading or supporting investigations into misconduct, ensuring accurate documentation
- Advising on sickness absence and health-related issues, including complex cases
- Supporting consultations related to restructures, redundancies, or TUPE transfers
- Contributing to the development and improvement of ER policies and processes
- Supporting the delivery of Management Masterclasses and sharing legislative updates
Working pattern: Monday to Friday, hybrid working arrangements based in Greater Manchester (initially Stockport, moving to Manchester Science Park in 2026).
Essential Knowledge and Experience
- Significant experience handling employee grievances and disciplinary cases
- Proven ability to advise managers and senior leaders on complex ER issues
- Ability to take accurate notes during hearings and meetings
- Comprehensive knowledge of employment law and relevant legislation
- Experience monitoring and reporting on ER trends to inform policy
- Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments
- Strong communication skills—both verbal and written
- Analytical thinking and conflict resolution skills
- Ability to build trusted relationships across all levels of the organisation
- High integrity, confidentiality, and impartiality
Desirable Knowledge and Experience
- CIPD Qualification
- Project management experience
Your Wellbeing Matters to Us
- 26 Days’ Annual Leave + Bank Holidays, increasing with length of service
- Holiday Buy Scheme (up to one additional week per year)
- Birthday Leave – paid day off
- USS Pension Scheme – hybrid defined benefit/defined contribution
- Healthcare Cash Plan
- Enhanced Family Leave – maternity, paternity, and adoption from day one
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Season Ticket Loan
- Professional Subscriptions reimbursement
- Learning budget for courses and books
- Free On-Site Gym
- Subsidised Canteen Lunches
- Free Car Parking on-site
- Employee Discounts Portal
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Annual Flu Vaccination
- Life Assurance Cover
The job advert closing date may change. If you are planning to apply, please do so without delay.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Employee Relations (ER) Specialist employer: UK Biobank
Contact Detail:
UK Biobank Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations (ER) Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at UK Biobank on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the company culture and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common ER scenarios. Think about how you’d handle complex grievances or performance management issues. We want to show that we can think on our feet!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your communication skills! During interviews, be clear and concise when discussing your experience. We need to demonstrate that we can build trusted relationships across all levels.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows that we’re genuinely interested in being part of the UK Biobank team.
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations (ER) Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Employee Relations (ER) Specialist role. Highlight your experience with employee grievances and disciplinary cases, as well as any relevant qualifications like CIPD. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about employee relations and how you can contribute to our People and Development team. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since strong communication is key in this role, make sure your written application reflects that. Use clear, professional language and check for any typos or errors. We appreciate attention to detail, so let your writing skills shine through!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest 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 UK Biobank!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Biobank
✨Know Your ER Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of employee relations, especially around grievances and disciplinary cases. Familiarise yourself with relevant employment laws and how they apply to the role. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're the right fit for the position.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an ER Specialist, strong communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex issues in the past, whether through mediation or during investigations. Practising clear and concise responses will demonstrate your ability to convey important information.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that test your analytical thinking and conflict resolution skills. Think about past experiences where you've successfully navigated difficult situations and be ready to discuss your thought process and the outcomes. This will highlight your practical experience in handling ER matters.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Inclusivity
UK Biobank values a positive and inclusive work environment, so be prepared to discuss how you've fostered inclusivity in previous roles. Share specific examples of initiatives you've led or contributed to that promote collaboration and support diverse teams. This will show that you align with their organisational values.
