Job: Senior Employee Relations Manager
Contract: Permanent
I nterview: will be held on Tuesday 10 th March 2026
Are you passionate about fostering a positive work environment and building strong employee relations in a fast paced, highly unionised and complex environment?
We are looking for a dedicated and experienced Senior Employee Relations Manager to join our dynamic Employee Relations team. In this role, you will lead on driving transformation projects, supporting a culture of respect and collaboration across the organisation, whilst ensuring fair outcomes and legal compliance in complex employee relations matters. In addition to supporting managers across the Greater Manchester Combined Authority you will also work alongside the Professional Standards Team in Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, providing guidance on highly sensitive case management issues and championing best practice across all areas of work.
About You :
You have a strong professional background in employee relations, with experience of supporting managers in handling employee relations and safeguarding issues, ensuring legal compliance throughout. You will have conducted thorough investigations and implemented effective resolutions within large organisations. Your deep understanding of employment law and regulations ensures that all practices align with legal standards and best practices. You will have developed and implemented forward-thinking, legally compliant policies that empower and engage employees whilst adhering to organisational aspirations.
As a leader, youve successfully guided teams and programmes, mentoring others and cultivating a high-performing, inclusive environment. Your communication skills are exceptional, allowing you to engage confidently and empathetically with employees at all levels. You approach challenges analytically, identifying root causes and crafting practical solutions. Discretion and confidentiality are second nature to you, especially when handling sensitive information.
You are deeply committed to diversity and inclusion, actively supporting initiatives that promote fairness and belonging. Your common-sense approach and practical application of policies and processes make you approachable and trusted by colleagues. Your use of workforce intelligence and employee feedback guides your approach to strategies and continuous improvement.
You will have :
A degree or equivalent experience, ideally with membership in a relevant professional body (e.g., CIPD).
Advanced knowledge of employee relations, change management, and employment law.
Led and managed teams providing specialist advice on employee relations, performance management and large scale change.
Strong relationship-building, influencing, and coaching skills at all levels, including senior leadership.
Project management expertise and the ability to deliver results in a fast-paced, complex environment.
A commitment to continuous learning, equality, diversity, and high standards of professionalism.
Excellent communication, facilitation, and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, actionable advice.
A flexible, resilient, and inclusive approach, with a passion for making a positive impact on organisational culture.
About us:
As an employer, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is made up of a number of key Greater Manchester strategic functions and service providers including; Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS); Waste and Resources; Environment; Work and Skills; Research; Public Sector Reform; Police, Crime and Criminal Justice; Homelessness; the Greater Manchester Ageing Hub and the Commissioning Hub.
We value the diversity of our employees, and aim to recruit a workforce which reflects our diverse communities across Greater Manchester. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified individuals, irrespective of people's age, disability, Trans status and Non-binary identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We have guidance in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability.
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