ER Partner

Our client is seeking an experienced Employee Relations Business Partner to support the development and delivery of effective employee relations strategies. This role will focus on building a positive and productive working environment, managing complex employee relations matters, and ensuring fair and consistent application of HR policies and procedures. The ideal candidate will bring strong interpersonal skills, sound judgement, and up-to-date knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement employee relations initiatives that foster a collaborative and respectful workplace.
• Provide guidance and leadership to HR team members as appropriate.
• Produce reports and analysis for the senior leadership team to inform strategic decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation, advising managers on the legal implications of HR practices.
• Offer expert support to line managers and employees on HR policy interpretation and application.
• Manage employee grievances and conduct fair, timely, and impartial investigations.
• Support managers in resolving performance issues and implementing development or corrective action plans.
• Facilitate dialogue between employees and managers to mediate conflict and promote effective communication.
• Provide coaching and deliver training for managers on employee relations matters, including disciplinary processes and conflict management.
• Develop and lead employee relations training sessions across the workforce.
• Analyse trends in ER data and recommend actions to address emerging issues or improve working relationships.
• Review exit interview feedback and identify patterns to support retention and engagement initiatives.
• Work closely with senior HR professionals and stakeholders, including Diversity & Inclusion leads, to ensure consistency in the application of HR policies.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of disciplinary procedures and processes.
• Monitor morale and engagement levels, proposing initiatives to enhance workplace culture.
• Maintain accurate and confidential documentation for all ER cases.
• Support wider HR activity and provide input on generalist HR matters as needed.

Person Specification

• Significant experience in employee relations, ideally in a Business Partner role or similar capacity.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law, HR policy, and best practice.
• Proven experience handling a broad range of ER casework within diverse working environments.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build trusted relationships at all levels.
• Skilled in conflict resolution, mediation, and conducting complex investigations.
• Strong decision-making, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Well organised with excellent time management and the ability to manage a varied caseload.
• Proficient in the use of HR information systems and case management tools.
• Able to work with discretion and maintain the highest standards of confidentiality.
• Previous management or supervisory experience within HR is advantageous.
• A degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related subject is desirable.
• CIPD membership or qualifications in mediation/employee relations are beneficial.
• Committed to ongoing learning and keeping abreast of changes in employment legislation and people management trends.

Does this sound like a role for you? Why not apply?