Employee Relations Manager, up to £50k plus a great range of benefits, Bristol, Hybrid, permanent.
The Organisation:
Based in Bristol, my client is a large, complex employer with a strong commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive and high-performing working environment. With a diverse workforce and a culture that values collaboration and continuous improvement. My client is investing in further strengthening their people practices-including employee relations, and keen to gain a person who can lead on further enhancing the service. This is an exciting time to join a forward-thinking people function that is driving a progressive, values-led approach to employee experience and organisational effectiveness.The Role:As Employee Relations Manager, you will lead a team of HR professionals -c8 headcount, including HR/ER Advisors, delivering a high-quality, consistent and expert ER service across the organisation. You will play a key leadership role in shaping how employee relations are delivered-moving towards a proactive, early resolution model and ensuring complex casework is managed with professionalism, fairness and commercial awareness.Key responsibilities include:
- Leading, coaching and developing a team of HR Advisors and People Partners, building capability and confidence in ER delivery
- Overseeing complex, high-risk and sensitive casework, ensuring best practice and timely resolution
- Driving a culture of early intervention, focusing on constructive conversations and alternative dispute resolution
- Strengthening governance, consistency and quality across ER processes and case management
- Building effective working relationships with trade unions and employee representatives
- Providing expert advice and guidance on organisational change, restructures and complex people matters
- Supporting senior stakeholders to lead their teams with confidence and clarity
What You Need to Succeed:This opportunity will suit an experienced HR/ER leader who combines deep technical expertise in employee relations with strong people leadership skills. You will need the following:
- Proven experience leading and developing HR/ER teams, including direct management of HR/ER Advisors
- Significant experience handling complex ER casework within a large, unionised organisation
- Strong knowledge of employment law and best practice ER frameworks
- Demonstrated success in driving early resolution approaches and managing workplace conflict effectively
- Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build credibility at senior levels
- A proactive, solutions-focused mindset, with a passion for continuous improvement
- A commitment to inclusive, fair and values-led HR/ER practice
The Benefits:
- Opportunity to step into a high-impact leadership role with real influence over ER strategy and culture
- Work within a large, complex organisation offering diverse and interesting ER challenges
- Be part of a progressive People function focused on modern, people-centred HR practices.
- Excellent career development and progression opportunities
- A supportive and collaborative working environment
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package which includes:
- 37 hours per week (full-time equivalent) tends to be 8.30am-5pm (Mon to Thurs.) and 8.30am to 4.30pm (Friday), but can be flexible around this.
- 25 days' holiday (full-time equivalent) plus Bank Holidays, plus up to 6.5 closure days - tend to be mainly over Xmas when this organisation is shut with no need to use annual leave!
- Competitive pension scheme
- Great facilities!
- Support work-life balance
- Training and development
- Various other benefits including EAP, cycle to work, savings and discount card...
What you need to do nowIf you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
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