At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead employee relations for mergers and organisational change, ensuring colleague-focused outcomes.
- Company: Dynamic organisation focused on employee engagement and compliance.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, private healthcare, hybrid working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence senior leaders and contribute to meaningful HR projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your HR expertise.
- Qualifications: Significant HR experience with strong knowledge of UK employment law and ER best practices.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
In this role you lead employee relations activity for mergers, acquisitions, transfers and organisational change, ensuring compliant, colleague‑focused outcomes. You provide end‑to‑end ER case management and guidance across business segments, partnering with Legal, Compliance and HR to deliver supported M&A activity. You will plan consultation, manage risk, and drive scalable ER processes for change programmes and integration. The role combines advisory leadership with hands‑on case work in a fast‑paced, regulatorily mindful environment.
Pay / Benefits
- 25 days annual leave plus a WTW day
- private healthcare
- life insurance and group income protection
- defined contribution pension with up to 10% company match
- hybrid working
- employee assistance programme
Responsibilities
- Lead ER input into mergers, acquisitions, divestments, transfers and integration activities, including due diligence and post‑transfer integration
- Plan and manage consultation (collective and individual) with clear, timely information and risk management
- Escalate and support complex, high‑risk or sensitive ER cases (discipline, grievances, absence, whistleblowing, etc.)
- Identify ER risks and trends from casework and change activity; translate into preventative actions and coaching
- Develop and embed scalable ER processes, templates, guidance, and governance for change, TUPE, redundancy and integration
- Prepare documentation for employment tribunal readiness in collaboration with Legal and business stakeholders
- Act as escalation point for regulatory breaches or governance concerns and ensure proper referrals
- Contribute to wider HR projects including policy development, organisational design and continuous improvement
Key requirements
- Significant HR experience with a strong focus on employee relations and employment law
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law and ER best practices (disciplinary, grievance, performance, absence, redundancy, TUPE, collective consultation, tribunals)
- Proven track record supporting organisational change, restructures, and complex people-change activity
- Ability to lead small-scale collective consultation
- Ability to assess people-related risk in M&A and change activities balancing legal, commercial and reputational factors
- Strong stakeholder management and ability to influence senior leaders across HR, Legal, Compliance and business teams
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; capable of drafting case documents and communications
- Strong judgement, discretion, and resilience handling confidential or high-pressure matters
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities and timelines
- Analytical mindset using ER data and case insights to improve processes and manager capability
Employee Relations Lead - Projects (FTC to 31 December 2027) in Surrey employer: Willis Towers Watson
Willis Towers Watson is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the insurance sector. Employees benefit from comprehensive growth opportunities, competitive compensation, and a supportive environment that values professional development, all while being part of a leading global firm located in the heart of the UK. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the industry and build lasting relationships with key partners.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Lead - Projects (FTC to 31 December 2027) in Surrey
✨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 Willis Towers Watson!
✨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 Willis Towers Watson.
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Lead - Projects (FTC to 31 December 2027) in Surrey
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 Willis Towers Watson. 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 Willis Towers Watson 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 Willis Towers Watson. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Willis Towers Watson'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 Willis Towers Watson
✨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 Willis Towers Watson.
✨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 Willis Towers Watson 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 Willis Towers Watson and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
