Job Title: Employee Relations Specialist
Location: Remote / National
Reports to: Head of HR
Summary and Main Purpose:
The Employee Relations Specialist is responsible for leading and delivering a consistent, high-quality employee relations service across the entire business, supporting both operational sites and Head Office functions.
Acting as the organisation’s subject matter expert for employee relations, the role partners closely with managers to proactively and reactively manage ER matters, ensuring fair, legally compliant and commercially sound outcomes.
The role combines a hands-on operational approach, including national travel to sites, with a strategic remit focused on identifying trends and driving improvements across key people metrics such as absence, attrition, performance and capability.
Key Duties:
Act as the national subject matter expert on all employee relations matters across the business.
Partner with managers across operations and Head Office to provide expert guidance on disciplinary, grievance, absence, performance, capability and other ER cases.
Travel nationally to operational sites to support and coach managers through complex ER issues, ensuring consistency and best practice.
Lead and manage complex, high-risk and sensitive ER cases, providing clear recommendations and ensuring timely resolution.
Ensure all ER activity is compliant with current employment legislation and company policies and procedures.
Develop, review and update ER policies, procedures and guidance in line with best practice and legislative changes.
Take a proactive approach to reducing absence and attrition by identifying root causes and implementing targeted interventions.
Support the business in improving performance and capability through robust and fair processes and manager coaching.
Deliver training and upskilling for managers on employee relations topics to build capability and confidence across the business.
Support organisational change initiatives, including restructures, consultations and TUPE processes where required.
Promote and embed the business’s values, ensuring a positive and fair employee experience across all locations.
Provide regular reporting and updates on ER activity, trends and risks to HR leadership.
Undertake regular site visits and maintain visibility across the business to ensure a consistent approach to ER.
Participate in and lead HR and business improvement projects related to employee relations and people performance.
Complete all necessary administration for the effective management of the role.
Undertake all other reasonable duties as required by the business.
Candidate Requirements:
Specialist expertise in Employee Relations, with a strong track record of managing complex ER matters.
Experience within a healthcare-related or similarly highly regulated, compliance-driven industry.
Proven experience in a dedicated Employee Relations role, ideally within a multi-site or national organisation.
Strong knowledge of UK employment law and its practical application.
Demonstrable experience managing complex and high-risk ER cases end-to-end.
Experience of supporting both operational and corporate/Head Office stakeholders.
Confident coaching managers on ER best practice and building capability.
Experience of supporting organisational change, including restructures and TUPE.
Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Willingness and ability to travel nationally on a regular basis.
CIPD qualification (Level 5 or above) or equivalent experience preferred.
If this sounds like the right fit for your next career move, I’d love to speak with you!
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The Advocate Group is a leading recruitment partner to the FMCG and consumer product sectors. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. By applying for this role, you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy, which can be found on our website. Please note that The Advocate Group is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy