Employee Relations (ER) Manager
Birmingham | £50,000 - £55,000 | Permanent | Full Time | 2 days onsite / 3 days WFH
A Birmingham-based housing association is seeking an experienced Employee Relations Manager to join their People team on a permanent, full-time basis.
Reporting to the Head of People Operations, you will lead a small team of two and provide strategic guidance across all areas of employee relations. You will be responsible for managing complex casework, supporting and coaching managers, developing policies, and driving a positive, fair and inclusive workplace culture. Acting as a key escalation point for high-risk cases, you will help safeguard the organisation against legal and reputational risks while promoting proactive employee engagement.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead the ER Advisory team, managing complex cases including disciplinaries, grievances, performance management and redundancies
* Act as a senior escalation point for high-risk ER issues and tribunal claims
* Provide strategic advice and coaching to managers and senior leaders on employee relations matters
* Develop and implement ER policies and ensure legal compliance and best practice
* Analyse ER data to identify trends, risks and opportunities for proactive interventions
* Design and deliver training for managers on ER topics and early intervention strategies
* Support the organisation’s employee engagement and wellbeing initiatives
* Manage trade union relationships and responses to recognition attempts
About You:
* Strong leadership experience within ER, including managing high-risk cases
* Expert knowledge of UK employment law and best practice employee relations approaches
* Proven ability to advise, coach and influence senior leaders
* Experience in policy development and implementation
* Data-driven with experience analysing ER trends to inform strategy
* Skilled in balancing risk, business needs and employee experience
* Excellent communication, negotiation and organisational skills
Benefits include:
* 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service) plus your birthday off
* Enrolment in the Social Housing Pension Scheme (SHPS)
* 3x salary death-in-service cover
* Access to a 24/7 virtual GP service
* Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
* Paid sick leave for at least eight weeks
* Access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) with trained counsellors
* Discounts via the Blue Light Card and rewards website
* Money off optical prescriptions and eye tests
* Recognition awards for long service
* Health cash plan, personal accident plan, and other wellness benefits