At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert advice on complex employee relations matters and support management capability.
- Company: Join a collaborative HR team at a leading University.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, generous leave, pension scheme, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Inclusive environment promoting equality, diversity, and respect.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee experience and organisational outcomes.
- Qualifications: Experience in employee relations and strong knowledge of employment law required.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
Two posts available: 1 x 0.8FTE (28 hours per week) until 31/12/2027 and 1 x 1FTE (35 hours per week) until 31/05/2027.
About The Role
We are seeking an experienced Employee Relations Manager to join our Employee Relations (ER) team, providing specialist expertise and support across a wide range of complex people matters. We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with substantial employee relations experience, although we also welcome applications from individuals who have gained significant experience leading complex people management processes and resolving workplace issues within operational or management roles. Reporting to the Employee Relations Team Manager, you will support high-risk and sensitive casework, provide authoritative advice to managers and stakeholders, and contribute to the development of Employee Relations practice across the University. This is an exciting opportunity to influence organisational outcomes, support management capability and help shape a positive employee experience.
What You'll Be Doing
- You will provide expert advice and guidance on complex Employee Relations matters, including disciplinary, grievance, capability, absence, organisational change and redundancy processes.
- Working closely with managers, employees, HR colleagues and Trade Union representatives, you will help resolve challenging issues while balancing legal, organisational and reputational considerations.
- You will support formal hearings and appeals, identify and mitigate risk, and act as an escalation point for complex ER enquiries.
- You will also contribute to ER process development, analyse casework trends and management information, and use these insights to promote consistency and continuous improvement across the University.
- In addition, you will help build management capability through coaching, guidance and training, while contributing Employee Relations expertise to organisational projects and change initiatives.
About You
You will be an experienced Employee Relations professional with substantial experience of managing complex ER casework and advising managers in a large or complex organisation, or an experienced manager with extensive experience of managing complex ER situations. You will have strong knowledge of employment law, excellent communication and influencing skills, and the ability to handle sensitive and challenging situations with confidence and professionalism. You will be skilled at assessing risk, applying sound judgement and building effective relationships with a range of stakeholders. A Level 5 or Level 6 qualification (or equivalent experience) is essential. CIPD membership, experience of working with Trade Unions and knowledge of the Higher Education sector would be advantageous.
Why Join Us?
This is an excellent opportunity to join a collaborative HR team and play a key role in delivering a high-quality Employee Relations service. Based at our Highfield Campus, working across all our campuses, the role offers flexible hybrid working, combining campus and home working. We provide an occupational pension scheme, generous annual leave, bank holidays and University closure days, alongside access to a range of sports, arts, cultural and employee discount benefits. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and are proud to promote equality, diversity and respect in everything we do.
Employee Relations Manager in Southampton employer: University of Southampton
The University of Southampton is an outstanding employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters creativity and collaboration among its staff. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities and professional training, all while contributing to impactful marketing strategies that shape the future of education. Located in a vibrant city, the university promotes a healthy work-life balance and values diversity, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals looking to make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Manager in Southampton
✨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 University of Southampton!
✨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 University of Southampton.
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Manager in Southampton
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 University of Southampton. 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 University of Southampton 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 University of Southampton. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to University of Southampton'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 University of Southampton
✨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 University of Southampton.
✨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 University of Southampton 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 University of Southampton and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
