Employee Relations Manager, up to £50k plus a great range of benefits, Bristol, Hybrid, permanent
The Organisation:Based in Bristol, my client is a large,plex employer with a strongmitment to creating an inclusive, supportive and high-performing working environment. With a diverse workforce and a culture that values collaboration and continuous improvement. My client is investing in further strengthening their people practices—including employee relations, and keen to gain a person who can lead on further enhancing the service. This is an exciting time to join a forward-thinking people function that is driving a progressive, values-led approach to employee experience and organisational effectiveness.
The Role:As Employee Relations Manager, you will lead a team of HR professionals -c8 headcount, including HR/ER Advisors, delivering a high-quality, consistent and expert ER service across the organisation. You will play a key leadership role in shaping how employee relations are delivered—moving towards a proactive, early resolution model and ensuringplex casework is managed with professionalism, fairness andmercial awareness.Key responsibilities include:
1. Leading, coaching and developing a team of HR Advisors and People Partners, building capability and confidence in ER delivery
2. Overseeingplex, high-risk and sensitive casework, ensuring best practice and timely resolution
3. Driving a culture of early intervention, focusing on constructive conversations and alternative dispute resolution
4. Strengtheningernance, consistency and quality across ER processes and case management
5. Building effective working relationships with trade unions and employee representatives
6. Providing expert advice and guidance on organisational change, restructures andplex people matters
7. Supporting senior stakeholders to lead their teams with confidence and clarity
What You Need to Succeed:This opportunity will suit an experienced HR/ER leader whobines deep technical expertise in employee relations with strong people leadership skills. You will need the following:
8. Proven experience leading and developing HR/ER teams, including direct management of HR/ER Advisors
9. Significant experience handlingplex ER casework within a large, unionised organisation
10. Strong knowledge of employment law and best practice ER frameworks
11. Demonstrated success in driving early resolution approaches and managing workplace conflict effectively
12. Excellentmunication and influencing skills, with the ability to build credibility at senior levels
13. A proactive, solutions-focused mindset, with a passion for continuous improvement
14. Amitment to inclusive, fair and values-led HR/ER practice
The Benefits:
15. Opportunity to step into a high-impact leadership role with real influence over ER strategy and culture
16. Work within a large,plex organisation offering diverse and interesting ER challenges
17. Be part of a progressive People function focused on modern, people-centred HR practices.
18. Excellent career development and progression opportunities
19. A supportive and collaborative working environment
20. 37 hours per week (full-time equivalent) tends to be (Mon to Thurs.) and to (Friday), but can be flexible around this.
21. 25 days' holiday (full-time equivalent) plus Bank Holidays, plus up to closure days – tend to be mainly over Xmas when this organisation is shut with no need to use annual leave!
22. Great facilities!
23. Support work-life balance
24. Training and development
25. Various other benefits including EAP, cycle to work, savings and discount card...