At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage complex employee relations cases and provide strategic HR insights.
- Company: Wickes, a leading home improvement retailer with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive bonus, private medical, enhanced pension, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive environment while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in employee relations and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location: Watford Link House Support Centre Wickes
Position Type: Permanent
Contract Type: Full Time
Hours of work: 37.5
Posted: 15-Jul-2026
At Wickes, our people make the difference. We're looking for an experienced Employee Relations Partner to join our ER team, supporting managers across the business with expert advice, practical solutions and a passion for doing the right thing.
Role Purpose: The Employee Relations Partner focuses on managing and resolving complex, high-risk, or sensitive employee relations (ER) cases. This role is designed for a strategic practitioner who balances expert case resolution (70%) with proactive partnership with HR Business Partners (30%) to provide data-driven insights and organisational support. The Senior Advisor ensures that serious investigations including those with brand or PR implications are handled with integrity and minimised risk.
What you’ll be doing:
- Complex Case Management (70% Capacity)
- High-Risk Resolution: Manage and resolve complex or sensitive ER cases, including those involving Senior Managers or multiple allegations in a single location.
- Investigations: Conduct investigations related to whistleblowing, discrimination, and sexual harassment.
- Conflict Resolution: Facilitate both informal and formal mediation processes to resolve deep-seated workplace conflicts.
- Legal & Litigation Support: Handle settlement agreements and work with ACAS and Tribunals, partnering with third-party legal providers (e.g., VISTA) for defence and responses.
- Policy Leadership: Contribute to the development, review, and implementation of ER policies and handbooks to ensure they reflect current legislation.
- Partnering, Projects & Insights (30% Capacity)
- Strategic Partnering: Partner with HR Business Partners (HRBPs) to provide proactive insights from data and dashboards. Creates dashboards and datasets with meaningful actions for leaders.
- Trend Analysis: Analyse ER data and trends to identify emerging risks and recommend proactive solutions to the business.
- Organisational Change SME: Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to HRBPs during complex organisational changes, such as TUPE, relocations, or structural redundancies.
- Manager Upskilling: Develop and deliver advanced training and workshops to upskill managers on ER best practices and legislative changes.
What we’re looking for:
- Substantive experience in an Employee Relations role
- Retail environment experience; advanced use of ER Case Management systems
- Advanced coaching; complex stakeholder management; data interpretation and presenting MI
- Ability to balance business risk with complex legal requirements
- Expert knowledge of employee policy and UK legislation
- Mediation and tribunal preparation
What can we offer you?
You’ll be supported with fantastic learning and development and have the opportunity to grow and develop your career with us. We also have an early careers network to support you if you’re in your first few years of your career. We’ll also equip you with a benefits package that includes:
- Competitive bonus
- Private Medical and Life Assurance
- Enhanced contributory pension scheme
- 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.
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 our culture that is considered our best kept secret; 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. We aim to create an inclusive workplace with colleagues’ wellbeing at the heart of everything we do. We’re a Disability Confident Employer and committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from disabled people and are committed to providing an accessible recruitment process and workplace for everyone.
Employee Relations Partner in Watford employer: Wickes
Wickes is an excellent employer for those looking to thrive in the Kitchen and Bath Design sector, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises customer satisfaction and creativity. With competitive salaries, commission structures, and comprehensive training programmes, employees are empowered to grow their skills and advance their careers while enjoying a supportive team environment. Located in a dynamic retail setting, Wickes provides unique opportunities to engage with customers and make a meaningful impact on their home improvement journeys.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Partner in Watford
✨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 Wickes!
✨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 Wickes.
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Partner in Watford
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 Wickes. 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 Wickes 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 Wickes. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Wickes'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 Wickes
✨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 Wickes.
✨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 Wickes 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 Wickes and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
