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- Tasks: Lead sickness support, manage absence cases, and coach senior managers.
- Company: Join a large, unionised NHS organisation focused on employee wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working with 4 days onsite and 1 day WFH.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee wellbeing in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing complex absence cases and coaching required.
- Other info: Temporary role for 4 months with potential for extension.
Band 7 – Employee Relations Manager (Sickness Support)
Job Summary :
As the Employee Relations Manager, you will lead the sickness support function, managing a team responsible for complex absence management cases across a large, unionised NHS organisation. This is a critical role requiring leadership in fast-paced environments, strategic coaching of senior managers, and direct engagement with operational leaders to reduce long-term absence and support organisational wellbeing.
Location : Croydon (4 days on site 1 day WFH)
Job Type : Temporary
Duration of booking : Expected to last 4 months with possible extension
Proposed start date : ASAP
Pay Rates : Up to £26.16 per hour PAYE inclusive of holiday pay
Hours / Working Days : 37.5 hours per week / Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm
Sector : Healthcare
Based : Office / Hospital
Key Responsibilities :
- Lead on complex sickness absence cases including long-term absence, phased returns, and reasonable adjustments.
- Provide high-level coaching and training to senior managers in managing absence effectively and lawfully.
- Collaborate closely with trade unions and HR Business Partners to ensure consistent policy application.
- Oversee a large and varied caseload while ensuring key performance indicators are met.
- Prepare and present reports to HR and operational leadership on sickness trends and interventions.
- Support improvement initiatives across employee wellbeing and sickness prevention.
Requirements :
- Proven experience managing complex sickness absence caseloads in large, unionised environments.
- Experience training and coaching managers in absence management.
- NHS or large public sector experience highly desirable.
- Ability to lead and influence at all levels with sound employment law knowledge.
- Willingness and flexibility to work onsite in hospitals or community settings at least 4 days per week.
Job reference number : YW-GW1S
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Employee Relations Manager employer: Your World Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Your World Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the NHS policies and procedures related to sickness absence management. Understanding the specific frameworks and guidelines will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the NHS or public sector who have experience in employee relations. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss real-life scenarios where you've successfully managed complex absence cases. Highlighting your problem-solving skills and ability to coach others will be crucial in showcasing your fit for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current employment law and best practices in absence management. Being knowledgeable about recent changes can set you apart as a candidate who is proactive and well-informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in managing complex sickness absence cases, particularly in large, unionised environments. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and knowledge of employment law.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, emphasise your ability to coach and train senior managers in absence management. Mention any relevant NHS or public sector experience and how it aligns with the role's requirements.
Highlight Key Achievements: When detailing your previous roles, focus on key achievements related to employee wellbeing and sickness prevention. Use metrics where possible to showcase your impact on reducing long-term absence.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Anticipate questions related to your approach in handling complex absence cases and your strategies for collaborating with trade unions. Prepare clear, concise responses that reflect your expertise and problem-solving abilities.
How to prepare for a job interview at Your World Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience managing complex sickness absence cases. Highlight specific examples where you successfully navigated challenging situations, particularly in unionised environments.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this role requires leading a team and coaching senior managers, be ready to share instances where you've effectively led teams or influenced decision-making. Emphasise your ability to motivate and guide others.
✨Understand Employment Law
Brush up on relevant employment laws and regulations related to sickness absence management. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you are knowledgeable and capable of ensuring lawful practices.
✨Engage with Wellbeing Initiatives
Prepare to talk about your approach to employee wellbeing and how you have contributed to improvement initiatives in the past. This will demonstrate your commitment to supporting organisational health and reducing long-term absences.