At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead employee relations, manage cases, and coach managers for effective resolution.
- Company: Join USS, a leading pension scheme with a vibrant and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and health support.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee wellbeing and organisational success.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of UK employment law and proven ER case management experience.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Business Area: HR
Place of Work: Liverpool
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
When you join USS, the size and scale of our pension scheme means you will have numerous opportunities to learn and develop your career. Given our size you'll have real autonomy and influence as you collaborate closely with a wide-ranging team of experts. Our office is a vibrant place to work, and we offer flexibility of office/homeworking due to our hybrid model.
About the role
In your role as Employee Relations Lead, you will make a meaningful and valued contribution from the outset. This role will provide a great opportunity to be responsible for leading the effective management of all employee relations matters across the organisation. The role partners closely with managers to build capability in handling informal and formal ER issues, balancing organisational risk with pragmatic, people-focused solutions. The role also acts as a subject matter expert (SME) in ER processes, policies, and systems, including contributing to HRIS implementation and continuous improvement of ER frameworks, reporting, and governance.
What you will be doing
- Employee Relations Case Management
- Lead the end-to-end management of all formal ER cases, including disciplinary, grievance, absence, performance
- Support the HRBPs with organisational change activity
- Support and coach managers to resolve issues at an early stage through informal approaches wherever appropriate
- Manager Coaching and Capability Building
- Coach and guide managers on handling employee issues confidently and effectively, with an emphasis on early, informal resolution
- Build manager capability in applying policies, conducting investigations, and managing difficult conversations
- Provide practical, risk-balanced advice that aligns business needs with colleague wellbeing and engagement
- Support leadership and management development initiatives relating to ER and people management.
- Horizon Scanning, Risk Management and Compliance
- Balance commercial, reputational and legal risk in all ER advice and decision making, escalating to the Head of HR Business Partnering, legal counsel and/or Compliance where required
- Ensure compliance with employment legislation, ACAS guidance, and regulatory frameworks
- Policies, Processes & Governance
- Develop, review, and maintain ER related policies, procedures, templates and guidance materials
- Provide clear and accessible guidance for HR and managers.
- Data, Reporting and Systems
- Establish and maintain robust ER case tracking and reporting mechanisms
- Analyse ER data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities
- Produce regular reporting and insights for HR leadership and the business
- Use data-driven insights to inform proactive interventions and organisational strategies
- Act as ER SME in the design and implementation of the HRIS, particularly ER case management modules
- Define system requirements, workflows, and reporting needs to support effective ER management.
- HR Team Development and Knowledge Sharing
- Ensure HRBPs are kept up to date with employee relations matters within their business areas
- Mentor and upskill HR Operations and wider HR teams in ER knowledge and best practice
- Provide training and guidance on ER processes, policies, and case handling
About you
We know that sometimes people can be put off applying for a job if they don't tick every box, if you're excited about working for us and have most of the skills or experience we're looking for, then please apply, regardless of whether you meet all the requirements outlined in this profile.
To be successful in the role you will have:
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law and ER best practice
- Proven experience managing complex ER casework end-to-end
- Experience advising within regulated environments (e.g., FCA)
- Excellent coaching and influencing skills
- Strong judgement and ability to balance risk with pragmatic solutions
- Analytical mindset with experience in reporting
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders effectively
- Clear, confident communication skills (written and verbal).
Why join us?
At USS, every individual contributes to building a secure financial future for our members and their families. We strive to create a work environment where everyone can thrive professionally while making a meaningful impact on the lives of others. We're also committed to helping you build your career by providing opportunities for development. We put a focus on recognising and supporting each individual's unique career path, driving this forward with the support of an engaged and proactive management team. Here at USS, we want you to thrive in and out of work with a friendly team, flexible culture and excellent range of benefits!
How we will reward you
- Great starting salary
- Generous annual leave package
- Access to a high quality pension scheme provided through Universities Superannuation Scheme
- Supportive people policies (including enhanced occupational sickness pay and family friendly pay)
- Financial contributions towards your personal development to help you maintain your physical and mental wellbeing
- Access to a range of health and wellbeing services i.e., private healthcare, discounted gym membership
- Learning and development opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and talent
- Employee Volunteer Day’s to support the communities where you work and live
- Cycle to Work Scheme
Our culture and values
Our people are what makes us different. We work together to create a diverse and inclusive culture that embraces individuality, where people are welcomed and feel comfortable in the knowledge that they can be themselves. Our purpose firmly states the importance of members, putting them ‘front and centre’ of what we do. This is embedded through our values:
- Integrity
- Collaboration
- Excellence
About us
Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) was established in 1974 as the principal pension scheme for universities and other higher education institutions in the UK. We work with around 330 employers to help build a secure financial future for almost 577,000 members and their families. We are one of the largest private defined benefit pension schemes in the UK, with total assets of around £76.8bn (at 31 March 2025).
USSL is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strive to ensure our recruitment process is as flexible and inclusive as possible so we can attract diverse candidates and recruit the best talent. We want all candidates to perform at their best during the recruitment process, so if you need any reasonable adjustments or if there is anything we can do to help support you through your recruitment journey please let us know by contacting resourcing@uss.co.uk.
Employee Relations Lead in Liverpool employer: USS Investment Management Limited
At USS, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where your contributions as a Finance Change Lead will be valued from day one. With a strong focus on employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to inclusivity, you will have the opportunity to grow your career while making a meaningful impact in the finance transformation landscape. Our supportive culture, generous benefits, and emphasis on work-life balance make USS a truly rewarding place to work.
Contact Details:
USS Investment Management Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Lead in Liverpool
✨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 USS Investment Management Limited!
✨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.
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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 USS Investment Management Limited.
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Lead in Liverpool
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 USS Investment Management Limited. 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 USS Investment Management Limited 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 USS Investment Management Limited. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to USS Investment Management Limited'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 USS Investment Management Limited
✨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 USS Investment Management Limited.
✨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 USS Investment Management Limited 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 USS Investment Management Limited and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
