Employee Relations Business Partner

Hunter Savage; Newry; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global energy solutions provider in Newry is seeking an Employee Relations Business Partner to join their People & Culture team. This permanent role involves providing expert advice on Employee Relations and leading transformation projects across key sites. Candidates should have a CIPD Level 5 qualification and significant experience in a complex ER environment. An excellent salary package and benefits are offered, including generous annual leave and a supportive workplace culture.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Westfield Health

Excellent employee discount on products

Early finish on Fridays

Pension

Cycle to Work Scheme

Values Awards

Qualifications

• Significant experience in Employee or Industrial Relations within a complex, multi-site environment.
• Proven experience in leading large-scale people or business transformation projects.
• Ability to build credibility and influence senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted partner providing coaching on ER/IR issues.
• Lead change management initiatives ensuring legal compliance.
• Manage complex ER casework including disciplinary and grievance matters.

Skills

CIPD Level 5 qualification

Experience in Employee Relations

Project management skills

Knowledge of UK, NI & ROI employment law

Education

CIPD Level 5 qualification or equivalent

Job description

Employee Relations Business Partner - Newry

Salary: Competitive salary. Benefits: Generous annual leave - Westfield Health - Excellent employee discount on products - Early finish on Fridays - Pension - Cycle to Work Scheme - Values Awards

Due to continued growth and restructure, our multi-site client, a global leader in energy solutions, are seeking a commercially astute Employee Relations Business Partner to join their People & Culture team.

This is an exciting, permanent, Management opportunity to provide expert advice and leadership on Employee Relations (ER) and Industrial Relations (IR) across 3 key sites.

In this role, you will be instrumental in driving positive employee relations, managing union relationships, and leading people-related transformation projects aligned with our strategic objectives.

Top Things to Know About This Job:

• Strategic business partner for ER/IR matters across multiple regions (UK, NI, ROI).
• Lead key transformation projects and ensure fair, legally compliant approaches to people initiatives.
• Competitive salary with excellent benefits, Generous annual leave - Westfield Health - Excellent employee discount on products - Early finish on Fridays - Pension - Cycle to Work Scheme - Values Awards

The Role

Business Partnering & Transformation

• Act as a trusted partner to leaders and managers, providing coaching on complex ER/IR issues to improve people management capabilities.
• Lead change management initiatives, ensuring a fair and legally compliant approach.
• Use data and insights to identify trends and recommend proactive strategies to enhance employee engagement and performance.

Industrial Relations & Union Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for trade union representatives, managing relationships through regular consultation and negotiation.
• Manage industrial relations activities, including negotiations, consultations, and dispute resolution to maintain a positive working environment.
• Provide expert guidance on collective bargaining agreements and IR policies.

Employee Relations Casework & Advisory

• Manage complex ER casework, including disciplinary, grievance, and appeal matters, ensuring timely and fair outcomes.
• Conduct workplace investigations into complex allegations, providing detailed reports and resolutions.
• Provide training to managers and People & Culture colleagues to ensure consistent handling of ER issues.

Project Management

• Lead and manage ER/IR initiatives, defining project scopes, timelines, and deliverables.

The Person

• CIPD Level 5 qualification (or higher), or equivalent experience.
• Significant experience in Employee Relations or Industrial Relations within a complex, multi-site environment (preferably unionised).
• Proven experience in leading large-scale people or business transformation projects.
• Demonstrable ability to build credibility and influence senior stakeholders.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple workstreams effectively.
• In-depth knowledge of UK, NI & ROI employment law and its practical application.

The Rewards

• Competitive salary package
• New, permanent opportunity
• Based in Newry
• Full time hours with an early finish on Fridays at 1 pm
• Generous annual leave
• Excellent employee discount on products
• Westfield Healthcare plan
• Opportunity to work with a global market leader and an excellent HR team
• Inclusive and supportive workplace culture
• Pension
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Values Award
• Opportunities to drive impactful people transformation projects and make a strategic difference across the supply chain.

Next Steps

For more information or to apply for this Employee Relations Business Partner role, please contact Stephanie Mulholland.

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Hunter Savage is a specialist recruitment consultancy committed to expert, confidential advice and long-term career partnerships.

We reserve the right to heighten shortlisting criteria depending on the calibre of response.