Employee relations advisor

Role: Employee Relations Advisor

Location: Exeter (around 1 day per week on site, remainder remote)

Contract length: 6 months

Day rate: Up to 300 (inside public sector environment)

Clearance: SC-eligible

Interview: 1-stage, Teams (conversational / suitability-focused)

Why this could interest you

Lead the Employee Relations function in a well-known public sector organisation.
Work directly with stakeholders up to Executive level and key external partners.
Blend complex casework with strategic improvement of ER approaches and policies.
Enjoy a largely remote working pattern with only limited on-site presence.

The impact you would have

Take ownership of the ER function, acting as the go-to expert and escalation point, including complex cases up to Employment Tribunal.
Supervise and drive the casework function, shaping how ER case management is delivered and continuously improved.
Ensure best practice in ER, staying up to date with employment law, policy changes and wider CPD, and embedding this into the team's approach.
Use people metrics and reporting to identify trends, risks and opportunities to enhance the overall ER offering.

Key relationship & stakeholder focus

Build strong, respected relationships with internal stakeholders, including senior leaders and the wider People team.
Manage external contracts such as Occupational Health and Employee Assistance Programme services.
Work collaboratively with the recognised Trade Union (Prospect), promoting constructive partnership working.
Support and coach Line Managers to handle people issues confidently and consistently.

What our client is looking for

Deep Employee Relations experience with a strong track record of handling complex and sensitive cases.
Up-to-date, expert knowledge of UK employment legislation and ER best practice.
Confidence in leading on escalated cases, influencing decisions and providing clear, balanced advice.
A proactive People professional who is passionate about ethical practice and improving the employee experience.
Ability to juggle multiple projects and casework while driving continuous service improvement.
Eligibility to obtain SC.

About the environment

You would be joining a People team that is seen as integral to organisational performance. The role offers visibility with senior stakeholders, a clear mandate to enhance the ER function, and the chance to bring new ideas and innovative ways of working into a high-profile public sector setting