An exceptional opportunity has arisen for a seasoned Employee Relations leader to define and lead a Group-wide ER function within a fast-paced,mercially driven organisation. This is a pivotal role with the mandate to build a best-in-class ER capability, influence senior stakeholders, and drive a proactive,mercially focused people agenda.
Operating within a private equity-backed, acquisition-led business, the organisation is experiencing rapid growth and transformation across a diverse, multi-brand portfolio. With a highly decentralised structure and strongmercial focus, there is a critical need for a credible, pragmatic ER leader to bring consistency,ernance, and forward-thinking practices across the Group.
This environment will suit someone who thrives at pace, enjoys navigating ambiguity, and is motivated by the opportunity to build, shape, and elevate an ER function while continuing to progress their own career at a senior level to ER Director.
Your Role As the Senior Partner, Employee Relations, you will act as the organisation’s most senior ER specialist, leading both strategy and operational delivery.
Key Responsibilities
1. Lead & Scale the ER FunctionDevelop and execute amercially aligned ER strategyEstablish consistent frameworks,ernance, and best practice across the businessBuild and develop a high-performing ER capability
2. Lead on sensitive and high-profile cases including disciplinaries, grievances, whistleblowing, discrimination, and senior exits
3. Act as the escalation point forplex ER matters
4. Ensure consistent, legally robust, andmercially sound oues
5. Employment Tribunal & Risk ManagementManage Employment Tribunal activity end-to-endPartner with legal counsel on litigation strategyProvide clear advice on legal exposure and reputational risk
6. Organisational Change & M&ALead ER input on restructures, redundancy programmes, and transformation initiativesSupport acquisitions, TUPE, and post-integration activityMinimise disruption and mitigate risk through periods of change
7. Stakeholder Influence & CoachingBuild trusted relationships with senior leadersCoach and upskill managers on ER best practice and decision-makingInfluence and challenge to drive consistency and accountability
8. Policy, Insight & CultureModernise ER frameworks, policies, and processesIntroduce data-led insight on trends and risk areasSupport the development of a high-performance, fair and accountable culture
What You’ll Bring
9. Significant experience operating as a senior ER specialist or Head of ER
10. A background within a fast-paced, highlymercial environment
11. Experience in private equity-backed, retail, or multi-site organisations (highly desirable)
12. Deep expertise in UK employment law,plex case management, and Employment Tribunals
13. Proven ability to operate at pace, manage ambiguity, and balancemercial and legal priorities
14. Strong stakeholder management with credibility at senior leadership level
15. Experience building or transforming ER functions, frameworks, or teams
16. CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent)
What you'll get in return