Employee Relations Specialist
Location: UK Fully Remote
Contract: Permanent | Full-time (40 hours per week)
Salary: Up to 37,500 per annum (DOE)
Reports to: Employee Relations Manager
About the role
Were seeking two Employee Relations Specialists to join our HRER team supporting the UK and Republic of Ireland. In this role, youll be a trusted advisor on all employee relations matters, helping managers navigate complex situations with confidence. Youll combine commercial awareness with fairness, compliance, and a focus on creating a positive employee experience.
This position offers exposure to a wide range of ER activities, including complex case management, organisational change programmes, and Employment Tribunal defence. Youll benefit from ongoing mentoring by an experienced ER Manager and collaborate closely with a leading employment law firm, giving you the opportunity to deepen your expertise and make a real impact.
Were looking for someone who:
* Takes initiative and works independently with confidence.
* Demonstrates compassion and empathy in every interaction.
* Is driven to achieve results and deliver excellence.
* Possesses exceptional influencing and negotiation skills.
* Embodies our company values in everything they do.
* Thrives in a team environment and builds strong relationships.
* Shows resilience, focus, and adaptability under pressure.
* Has the courage to challenge constructively and make sound decisions.
* Communicates clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
* Manages time and priorities efficiently to meet deadlines.
What youll be doing
* Act as the first point of contact for managers on complex employee relations matters, providing pragmatic, legally sound and best-in-class advice.
* Support and manage cases across the full ER spectrum, including disciplinary, grievance, absence, wellbeing, and performance-related issues.
* Assist with full Employment Tribunal activity, including ACAS/LRA early conciliation, ET3 responses, witness statements, evidence bundles, and preliminary hearing representation.
* Support the drafting and negotiation of settlement agreements.
* Contribute to organisational change programmes such as redeployment, redundancy, restructuring, harmonisation, and TUPE.
* Partner closely with HR Business Partners and key stakeholders across Operations, Workforce Management, Payroll, Recruitment, IT, Finance, and Legal.
* Maintain and review HR policies and the Employee Handbook to ensure alignment with UK and Republic of Ireland employment law and best practice.
* Use ER data and insights to identify trends, reduce risk, and continuously improve ways of working.
* Champion efficient, streamlined, and people-focused ER processes.
Essential
* Proven experience working in an Employee Relations or HR role, with exposure to complex casework.
* Strong working knowledge of UK employment law, including the Equality Act and Employment Rights Act (and any other relevant legislation relating to Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland)
* Confidence advising and influencing managers at all levels.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail.
* Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Experience level (one of the following):
* 2+ years ER specialist experience in a contact centre environment, or
* 3+ years ER specialist experience in another fast-paced industry, or
* 4+ years HR generalist experience.
Desirable
* CIPD qualification (or working towards).
* Mediation training or accredited mediator status.
* Exposure to Employment Tribunal preparation or early conciliation activity.
Why join us?
* A truly diverse ER role with the opportunity to develop into full Employment Tribunal ownership.
* Supportive leadership and a collaborative HR team committed to your growth.
* A chance to shape and influence how employee relations is delivered at scale across the organisation.
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