Associate Director - Employee Relations

Mace; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction and consultancy firm seeks an Employee Relations Expert to guide HR Business Partners on complex ER issues. The role requires comprehensive knowledge of UK employment law and experience in managing business transformations, including redundancies. You will draft settlement agreements, support change management initiatives, and ensure compliance with employment regulations. Strong judgement, negotiation skills, and the ability to foster stakeholder relationships are crucial for success in this position, which aims to align with commercial objectives and support a positive culture.

Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of UK employment law.
• Experience managing large scale business change programmes.
• Proven ability to quantify ER-related risks.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert ER advice to HR Business Partners.
• Draft and negotiate settlement agreements.
• Support business leaders in complex ER cases.

Skills

Knowledge of UK employment law

Change management

Risk assessment

Policy design

Influencing and negotiation skills

Education

Degree level education

Chartered CIPD

Job description

To be the key point of contact and subject matter expert for Business and Human Resources Leaders for all employee relations (ER) matters across the business, providing sound and pragmatic ER advice that mitigates risk and is aligned to our business priorities and people agenda. Leads to facilitate interventions where necessary to drive effective outcomes. Responsible for employment policy across the business, working alongside the Chief People Officer to ensure that the standards and policies are in place across the global business, to meet business regulatory and constitutional requirements and enable the culture to meet our commercial ambitions.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Acts as the escalation point and subject matter expert to support the HR Business Partners with the case management of complex ER issues including grievances and disciplinaries, performance/conduct issues and long-term sickness absence.
• Drafts and negotiates settlement agreements and liaise with external lawyers and professional advisers, on the approach taken to and management of Employment Tribunal claims as required.
• Proactively anticipate and advise the business on the implications of forthcoming employment legislation and recent case law to identify areas where change to current policy or practice may be required (and any associated costs) and to ensure future compliance.
• Enhances the capability and knowledge of line managers and HRBPs to support the global business by providing a programme of upskilling and formal training on key topics.
• Supports HRBPs and business leads with change management initiatives in the UK and internationally e.g. restructuring, redundancies, acquisitions and outsourcing (TUPE). Facilitates the development of appropriate consultation and communication frameworks in accordance with local legislation.
• Supports business leaders with complex/sensitive ER cases e.g. by conducting investigations, preparing relevant paperwork, briefing managers and recommending appropriate action and provides thought leadership in the ER domain.
• Reviews and updates business employment contracts, policies and supporting documentation on a regular basis to ensure that they comply with current legislation/good practice.
• Develops and defines proposals to address areas where new policies are required/enhancement is needed to existing policies to aid retention and align with HR good practice.
• Participates in strategic working groups and support HR projects as required through knowledge sharing and the provision of practical expertise and advice.
• Works collaboratively towards the common goal of net zero carbon transition and share responsibility for the proactive identification and management of the associated carbon emissions and reductions during the delivery of work.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of UK employment law, and how to apply this in a commercial setting.
• Experience of managing large scale business change programmes involving redundancies and TUPE.
• Proven ability to understand and quantify ER related risks and apply them in a practical manner to business issues.
• Experience of designing and implementing employment policies and associated documentation.
• Desirable: Knowledge of employment legislation in other jurisdictions an advantage.

Industry Competencies

Industry experience and/or qualifications Essential:

Professional Competencies

• Sound judgement and expertise and the ability to multi-task and manage multiple priorities.
• Demonstrates the ability to influence and negotiate with internal and external stakeholders utilising advanced communication skills.
• Builds strong relationships with multiple stakeholders and influences decision-making.

Leadership Competencies

• Experience of managing a team and delivering projects through direct and indirect management (or equivalent).

Further Qualifications, Certifications & Experience

• Educated to degree level (or equivalent).
• Desirable: Chartered CIPD (or equivalent).

At Mace, our purpose is to redefine the boundaries of ambition. We believe in creating places that are responsible, bringing transformative impact to our people, communities and societies across the globe. To learn more about our purpose, culture and priorities, visit our strategy site.