Employee Relations Adviser

Loughborough University; Loughborough; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Two pension schemes

On-site nursery

Job summary

Loughborough University is seeking an experienced Employee Relations Adviser to advise managers on ER matters, including disciplinary, grievances, performance, and sickness absence. You will help manage attendance, guide absence procedures, and shape sickness absence management approaches within a collaborative HR team.

You will report to an Employee Relations Business Partner and work with the Employee Relations Manager, handling a varied caseload and contributing to continuous improvement

Qualifications

• Experience in HR and employee relations, with broad exposure to disciplinary, grievances, performance and sickness absence cases.
• Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practices.
• Organised, proactive and able to handle sensitive situations with discretion.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice and guidance to managers on employee relations matters, including disciplinary, grievance, performance and sickness absence cases.
• Support attendance management and contribute to sickness absence procedures and policies.
• Prepare case documentation, assist investigations, and support continuous improvement of ER practices.

Skills

HR experience

Employee relations

Communication

Discretion

Education

CIPD Level 5

Job description

Package:

Administrative Services grade 5 from £29588 to £34610 per annum. Subject to annual pay award.

Job description

Fixed term for 6 months to cover maternity leave (or earlier return of the postholder).

This opportunity is also available as secondment.

Hybrid working available.

We are seeking an experienced HR Professional to help deliver a positive employee experience through professional, practical, and people-centred employee relations support.

As an Employee Relations Adviser, you will provide advice and guidance to managers on a range of employee relations matters, including disciplinary, grievance, performance, and sickness absence cases. A key focus of the role will be supporting managers to effectively manage attendance, providing practical guidance on absence procedures, and helping to shape and improve the University’s approach to sickness absence management.

Working within a collaborative HR team, you will support the fair and consistent application of policies, promote early resolution approaches, and ensure compliance with employment legislation and University procedures.

Reporting to an Employee Relations Business Partner and working closely with the Employee Relations Manager, you will manage a varied caseload, prepare case documentation and correspondence, support investigations, and contribute to the continuous improvement of employee relations practices across the University.

About You

• If you have some experience in HR and employee relations and are looking to further develop your skills in a supportive and dynamic environment, we'd love to hear from you.

• You will have experience of supporting managers with a range of employee relations matters, such as disciplinary, grievance, performance, and sickness absence cases, and be keen to build your knowledge and confidence across a wider range of people issues.

• You will have a good understanding of employment law and HR best practice, along with strong communication and relationship-building skills. Organised and proactive, you'll be able to manage a varied workload, balance competing priorities and handle sensitive situations with professionalism and discretion.

• You will hold a CIPD Level 5 qualification (or be working towards it) or have equivalent relevant experience.

Most importantly, you'll be passionate about delivering a positive employee experience and supporting an inclusive and respectful workplace culture.

For more information, please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.

For an informal discussion please contact Heather Skyes, Employee Relations Business Partner on [e-mail]

Closing date for applications: Monday 5 October 2026

Interview date: Thursday 15 October 2026

Our Benefits

At Loughborough, our benefits are designed to support your life inside and outside of work, helping you to thrive and feel valued as part of our community.

Examples of our benefits include:

Time off

generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme.

Where you work

access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Financial Wellbeing

competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities.

Support for you and those close to you

through our range of life event leave policies as well as access to an on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus, flexible and hybrid working options.

Health and Wellbeing

discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support.

Travel and sustainability

access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting.

Discover more about the full range of rewards and benefits at Loughborough University.

£29,588 to £34,610. Administrative Services grade 5 from £29588 to £34610 per annum. Subject to annual pay award.