Employee Relations Specialist - London, UK
Employee Relations Specialist - London, UK

Employee Relations Specialist - London, UK

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Guide teams on employee relations, manage complex cases, and improve HR practices.
  • Company: Join URBN UK Limited, a vibrant global retailer with a community-focused culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, gym access, discounts, and support for your wellbeing.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your HR expertise.
  • Qualifications: Experience in employee relations and strong knowledge of UK employment law required.
  • Other info: Collaborative team atmosphere with opportunities for continuous learning and growth.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

You will act as a trusted advisor to our retail, head office, shared service and distribution center teams, providing expert guidance on all aspects of employee relations. You'll manage a varied and complex ER caseload, support managers to resolve people issues effectively, and ensure our approach remains fair, consistent, and aligned with our values. Working closely with legal partners, HR colleagues, and operational leaders, you will lead on more complex cases, help mitigate people-related risk, and contribute to the continuous improvement of our ER practices.

Responsibilities

  • Leading and managing a wide range of ER cases including disciplinary, grievance, performance management, absence, probation, and capability matters.
  • Providing clear, solution-focused advice to managers at all levels across retail, head office, shared services, and distribution.
  • Acting as the escalation point for complex or high-risk ER issues, including those requiring legal input.
  • Preparing case documentation, conducting investigations, and coaching managers to handle issues confidently and consistently.
  • Partnering with internal Legal and external advisors to manage tribunal risks and ensure compliance with employment legislation.
  • Identifying ER trends, risks, and root causes, sharing insights to help drive proactive improvements.
  • Maintaining accurate case records, ensuring appropriate audit trails and data integrity.
  • Contributing to policy development and continuous improvement of HR and ER processes.

Qualifications

  • Strong experience in an ER-focused HR role, ideally at Senior Advisor or Manager level.
  • Proven track record of managing complex and high-volume ER cases in a fast-paced environment (retail or multi-site experience desirable).
  • Solid working knowledge of UK employment law and best practice.
  • Experience liaising with legal advisors and managing risk effectively.
  • Experience supporting managers across varied populations (retail, distribution, customer service, or head office functions).

Skills & Behaviors

  • Excellent judgement and the ability to assess risk and recommend pragmatic solutions.
  • Strong communication skills, able to simplify complex issues and influence stakeholders at all levels.
  • Calm, confident, and resilient, especially when handling sensitive or high-pressure situations.
  • Highly organized, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously.
  • Ability to build trusted relationships quickly and act with integrity and discretion.
  • A continuous improvement mindset and confidence challenging the status quo.
  • Collaborative style, able to work seamlessly with HR partners, operational leaders, and external advisors.

Benefits

  • Work-life balance: Flexible start and finish times, Bring your dog to work.
  • Wellbeing: Employees Assistance program to support mental, physical and financial health, Fully equipped free gym and on-site wellness room in Brick Lane and 50% discount off external gym memberships, Private Medical Insurance.
  • Employee Discount: Up to 40% off at all URBN Brands (Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People and more!).
  • Community: One paid day to either volunteer or fundraise for a charity of your choice.
  • Travel: Cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan.
  • Continued Development: We offer structured support within the business alongside continued learning and development.

Employee Relations Specialist - London, UK employer: Urban Outfitters, Inc.

URBN UK Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and development. With flexible working hours, a supportive environment for mental and physical health, and generous discounts across our brands, we foster a sense of community and purpose. Our London-based European Head Office provides unique opportunities for growth in a dynamic retail setting, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
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Contact Detail:

Urban Outfitters, Inc. Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Specialist - London, UK

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at URBN UK or in similar roles on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by practising common ER scenarios. Think about how you'd handle complex cases and be ready to share your thought process. We want to see your problem-solving skills in action!

✨Tip Number 3

Show off your knowledge of UK employment law during interviews. Brush up on recent changes and be ready to discuss how they impact employee relations. It’ll show you’re serious about the role!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.

We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Specialist - London, UK

Employee Relations Expertise
UK Employment Law Knowledge
Case Management
Risk Assessment
Communication Skills
Investigation Skills
Coaching Skills
Policy Development
Attention to Detail
Organisational Skills
Stakeholder Influence
Continuous Improvement Mindset
Collaboration Skills
Judgement and Decision-Making

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Employee Relations Specialist role. Highlight your experience with complex ER cases and your knowledge of UK employment law. We want to see how your skills align with 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 team. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've successfully resolved people issues in the past. We’re keen to see your judgement and ability to recommend practical solutions, so don’t hold back on those success stories!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Urban Outfitters, Inc.

✨Know Your ER Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK employment law and best practices in employee relations. Be ready to discuss specific cases you've managed and how you approached them, as this will show your expertise and confidence in handling complex issues.

✨Showcase Your Communication Skills

Since you'll be advising managers at all levels, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to simplify complex issues. Prepare examples of how you've influenced stakeholders or resolved conflicts through effective communication, as this will highlight your strong interpersonal skills.

✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions

Expect to face scenario-based questions that test your judgement and problem-solving abilities. Think about past experiences where you had to assess risk and recommend solutions, and be prepared to explain your thought process clearly during the interview.

✨Highlight Your Collaborative Spirit

This role requires working closely with various teams, so emphasise your collaborative style. Share examples of how you've partnered with HR, legal advisors, or operational leaders to manage risks and improve processes, showcasing your ability to build trusted relationships quickly.

Employee Relations Specialist - London, UK
Urban Outfitters, Inc.
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