We're Hiring We are currently recruiting for a skilled and experienced Employee Relations Manager to join the Employee Relations and Policy team within the Human Resources & Organisational Development department at the Royal Borough of Kingston. This temporary assignment offers an exciting opportunity to lead and manage complex employee relations casework, provide expert HR advice, and contribute to policy development across the Council and maintained schools. This role requires a confident and diplomatic HR professional with deep experience in employee relations, union engagement, and public sector HR practice. Role Summary As the School Employee Relations Manager, you will provide expert guidance on a range of complex employee relations issues including grievance, disciplinary, performance management, attendance, and organisational change. You will lead casework, advise on employment policy, and support senior managers, schools, and governing bodies in resolving sensitive matters with professionalism and consistency. You will also play a key role in embedding recent policy changes, driving cultural improvement, and developing the HR capability of internal stakeholders. Key Responsibilities * Lead and manage employee relations casework including attendance, conduct, performance, grievances, and organisational change. * Provide strategic and operational HR advice to schools, governors, and senior managers in line with legislation and council policies. * Support policy implementation and cultural change initiatives across education settings. * Ensure timely and fair resolution of casework and contribute to reducing tribunal risk. * Act as a liaison and maintain strong relationships with Trade Unions, including informal and formal consultations. * Provide clear, timely, and risk-based advice on employment legislation, policy, and best practice. * Support preparation for and represent the Council at Employment Tribunals as required. * Supervise work allocation to Senior HR Advisors and a shared HR apprentice. * Support delivery of training and capacity building for line managers on ER matters. * Monitor casework performance, track KPIs, and contribute to continuous service improvement. * Support cross-cutting HR projects and contribute to wider organisational development goals. Candidate Profile The ideal candidate will have: * Significant experience managing complex employee relations matters in a unionised environment. * Strong understanding of employment legislation, HR policy frameworks, and public sector governance. * Chartered CIPD status (or equivalent experience). * Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels. * Experience in working within education or school HR services (desirable). * Proven ability to coach and develop HR colleagues. * Strong political awareness and the ability to navigate complex organisational structures. * A proactive, solutions-focused mindset and high level of professional integrity. If interested in this role please send your CV to Lee-Juan at Coyle Personnel Ltd