Employee Relations Lead - Corporate Functions

This job is with WTW, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.

The Employee Relations Lead – Corporate manages the Corporate Employee Relations team and is responsible for the delivery of employee relations support across the Corporate Functions an assigned business segment(s) within WTW. The Corporate Functions consist of c800 people. The role provides strategic and operational employee relations expertise, ensuring fair, consistent and legally compliant management of employee matters.

The Employee Relations Lead is accountable for overseeing the team's case portfolio, managing and supporting Employee Relations Specialists and Advisers, allocating resources effectively and acting as the escalation point for complex, sensitive and high-risk employee relations matters. Working closely with business leaders, HR Business Partners, Talent Advisors, Legal and Compliance teams, the role supports organisational effectiveness through the proactive management of employee relations risk, workforce change initiatives and employee-related challenges. The Employee Relations Lead reports to the Head of Employee Relations GB and ensures employee relations practices are aligned with business objectives, regulatory requirements, employment legislation and WTW values.

The Role

• Lead and coach a team (ER Specialist and Adviser), fostering a high-performing, collaborative and customer-focused culture.
• Provide ongoing guidance, oversight and quality assurance to Employee Relations Specialists and Advisers to ensure effective, consistent and legally compliant outcomes are delivered in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Act as the primary Employee Relations partner for designated business segment(s), building strong relationships with business leaders, HR Business Partners and Talent Advisors.
• Manage team capacity, workload allocation and prioritisation to ensure effective service delivery and appropriate coverage during periods of peak demand.
• Serve as the escalation point for complex, high-risk or business-critical employee relations matters, providing expert guidance and support to the team and wider HR function.
• Be the subject matter expert on employee relations, employment law and emerging best practice, ensuring knowledge is maintained and shared across the team.
• Lead or support complex investigations and employee relations matters, including disciplinary, grievance, capability, performance management, absence management, whistleblowing, harassment, discrimination, conduct rule breaches and other sensitive workplace issues.
• Partner with business leaders and HR teams to identify, assess and mitigate employee relations risks and develop proactive solutions to address emerging issues.
• Support organisational change initiatives, including restructures, redundancies, collective consultation processes, changes to terms and conditions, business transfers and other workforce transformation programmes.
• Analyse employee relations trends, case data and organisational insights to identify patterns, risks and opportunities, making recommendations to improve business outcomes and the employee experience, through use of tracking system (All Voices).
• Collaborate with Legal, Compliance and other specialist functions to ensure appropriate management of legal, regulatory and reputational risk.
• Act as the point of escalation for regulatory matters, including Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR) and conduct rule investigations where applicable.
• Prepare documentation and support strategy development relating to Employment Tribunal claims, settlement discussions and regulatory investigations, working closely with the Head of Employee Relations and Legal teams.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance employee relations processes, governance, service delivery and operational efficiency.
• Support the review, development and implementation of employee policies, procedures and guidance materials to ensure compliance with legislative and business requirements.
• Educate and upskill members of the Employee Relations team, HR colleagues and people managers through coaching, training and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Contribute to wider HR projects, business initiatives and strategic priorities as required.

Qualifications

• Significant employee relations experience gained within a large, complex and matrixed organisation, with proven success managing a broad range of employee relations matters.
• Demonstrated experience leading, managing and developing Employee Relations professionals, including performance management, coaching and capability development.
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law, employee relations best practice and Employment Tribunal processes.
• Experience managing high-risk, sensitive and complex employee relations issues, including investigations, grievances, disciplinary matters and organisational change.
• Experience supporting restructures, collective consultation exercises, redundancies, business transfers and changes to terms and conditions.
• Strong understanding of compliance and regulatory frameworks relevant to HR, including GDPR, SMCR and Conduct Rules.
• Proven ability to influence and build credibility with senior leaders and stakeholders at all levels of the organisation.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret employee relations data, identify trends and make evidence-based recommendations.
• Demonstrated success operating in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple competing priorities.
• Excellent collaboration, relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate complex issues clearly and effectively.
• Creative problem-solving mindset with the ability to operate effectively through ambiguity and change.
• Open to working with and implementing new AI technologies (as practices evolve).
• CIPD Level 7 qualification, or equivalent experience, preferred.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Human Resources, Business or a related discipline preferred.

What we offer:

Enjoy a benefits package designed to help you thrive, both professionally and personally. You'll receive 25 days of annual leave plus an extra WTW day to relax and recharge. Our comprehensive health and wellbeing offering includes private healthcare, life insurance, group income protection, and regular health assessments, all giving you peace of mind. Secure your future with our defined contribution pension scheme, featuring matched contributions up to 10% from the company. We support your growth and balance with hybrid working options, access to an employee assistance programme, and a fully paid volunteer day to make a difference in your community. On top of these, you can opt into a variety of additional perks including an electric vehicle car scheme, share scheme, cycle-to-work programme, dental and optical cover, critical illness protection, and much more. Start making the most of your career and wellbeing with a range of benefits tailored for you.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We’re committed to equal employment opportunity and provide application, interview and workplace adjustments and accommodations to all applicants. If you foresee any barriers, from the application process through to joining WTW, please email candidatehelpdesk@wtw.com.