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- Tasks: Coach and guide Line Managers on employee relations issues, ensuring effective case management.
- Company: Join Wickes, a fun and inclusive home improvement retailer with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive bonuses, private healthcare, discounts, and a supportive wellbeing strategy.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact while developing your career in a dynamic and flexible environment.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 preferred; strong communication and coaching skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking to recruit two ER Advisors to join our growing ER team based in Northampton. The focus of these roles will be to coach, guide and provide employee relations advice to Line Managers through effective case management of people related issues such as: disciplinaries, performance management, employment tribunals, grievance and absence management. This role is focused on coaching to increase the Line Manager’s capability and using our policies, processes and advice in strengthening the Wickes Great Place to Work culture whilst effectively and fairly managing difficult situations.
Advice will be either telephone based or face to face coaching with Senior Managers for complex/high risk/sensitive cases.
Pattern of working: Hybrid: With occasional connection days (e.g. 7 days per month) in Northampton SDC. There may be occasional travel to a Wickes store or our Watford Support Centre for meetings and events.
Working hours: 37.5 hours over 5 days Mon-Fri. Shifts are 8-4 or 9-5 with 30 mins for lunch plus occasional weekend on-call (around 8 weekends per year) with on-call weekend premium pay.
Key Responsibilities:
- Coach, guide and provide employee relations advice to Line Managers either on the phone or face to face with Senior Managers in high risk/sensitive or complex cases.
- Effective proactive case management of people related issues to conclusion, such as: disciplinaries, performance management, employment tribunals, grievance and absence management (including OH referrals).
- Act as SME to HRBP in any organisational change e.g. structure changes, TUPE, relocation.
- Provide HR BP insight for case management trends, identifying skills/knowledge gaps, ER Metrics.
- Provide feedback and insight to ER Manager from findings when providing advice, to ensure our policies help our colleagues and Managers in mental, health and financial wellbeing.
- Support ER manager to update Employee Policies, handbooks, Line Manager Guides and templates following legislative updates, amended ways of working or best practice process changes (internal and external driven).
- Support HRBP’s through consultations and redundancy process.
- Extract and create MI to share with functions across the business & be confident to present the detail.
- Run workshops to upskill managers on ER topics using the content and framework provided by Vista to ensure consistency in our approach.
What are we looking for:
- CIPD - level 5 (preferred).
- Previous use of ER Case Management.
- Employee policy & legislation.
- Able to coach and build rapport on phone.
- Written & verbal communication.
- Effective listening skills.
- Able to interpret data & provide insights.
- Stakeholder engagement and support.
What can we offer you:
- Competitive bonus (2027 bonus period).
- Private Medical Healthcare.
- Save-as-you-earn scheme.
- Contributory pension scheme.
- Colleague discount.
- Discount platform including savings and cash back at numerous retailers, savings on gym membership, cycle to work scheme.
Our widely recognised wellbeing strategy is something we’re proud of at Wickes. As part of this, we offer a range of health and wellbeing benefits and support, including an Employee Assistance Programme, financial education & loans, and access to parental, menopause and fertility support. By giving you the support you need to do well at work, and the flexibility to make life work for you, we are giving you a career that doesn’t put your life on hold. Where you can be yourself, do your best work, and make a positive difference every day. We recognise the value of bringing our teams together to collaborate, support each other and build on our amazing culture. We are also encouraging our teams to work flexibly, with a blend of remote / office working.
About Us: Wickes is a multi-channel retailer operating in the home improvement market. With 50 years in industry, Wickes now generates revenue in excess of £1.6bn across 230 stores delivered by 8,000+ colleagues. But it is the Wickes culture that we are really proud of. It’s a collaborative, down to earth, fun and inclusive environment where people feel part of a winning team. All our colleagues come from different backgrounds, but what we all have in common is a determination to succeed and a passion for being the best we can be. If that sounds like you, we’ll make you feel right at home.
Please contact us here if you require any adjustments within the application process. If you require any reasonable adjustments at the interview stage you will have an opportunity to inform us when we invite you to interview. Please note, this link is only for reasonable adjustments required - general enquiries, or direct CV applications cannot be accepted via this form.
Employee Relations Advisor employer: Wickes
Contact Detail:
Wickes Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Wickes on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common ER scenarios. Think about how you'd handle disciplinaries or grievances. We want you to show off your coaching skills and how you can support Line Managers effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your communication skills! Whether it’s in a phone interview or face-to-face, be clear and confident. Remember, you’re not just answering questions; you’re also demonstrating how you’d coach others.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Wickes team. Let’s get you that job!
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in employee relations. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Coaching Skills: Since this role involves coaching Line Managers, share specific examples of how you've successfully guided others in previous roles. We want to see your ability to build rapport and provide effective advice.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your communication skills shine through in your writing!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wickes
✨Know Your Employee Relations Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of employee relations policies and legislation. Familiarise yourself with common issues like disciplinaries and grievance management, as you'll need to demonstrate your understanding during the interview.
✨Show Off Your Coaching Skills
Since the role involves coaching Line Managers, be prepared to discuss your coaching style and share examples of how you've successfully guided others in the past. Think about specific situations where your advice made a difference.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills. Practice responding to hypothetical situations related to complex or sensitive cases, showcasing your ability to manage difficult conversations effectively.
✨Engage with Data Insights
As the role requires interpreting data and providing insights, be ready to discuss how you've used data in previous roles. Bring examples of how you've identified trends or gaps in case management and how that informed your approach.
