Employee Relations Business Partner

Wickes; Northampton; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive bonus

Private Medical and Life Assurance

Enhanced contributory pension scheme

Discount platform for retailers

Employee wellbeing programme

Job summary

Wickes in Northampton is seeking an Employee Relations Partner to drive impactful people initiatives and resolve complex ER matters with an informal-first approach.

You will partner with leaders to spot systemic trends, using data and AI tools to streamline how we work. This role blends hands-on case work with strategic thinking in a fast-paced retail setting.

Qualifications

• Proven experience with complex ER matters and restorative resolutions.
• CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent) is preferred.
• Retail experience in a fast-paced environment is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Hands-on with complex ER case resolution using an informal-first approach.
• Partner with leaders to identify systemic trends and drive improvements.
• Utilise AI tools to streamline HR processes and decision-making.
• Turn data into actionable insights and coach managers with empathy.

Skills

People-first mindset

Complex ER matters

Strategic thinking

Tech curiosity

Resilience & empathy

Education

CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent)

Tools

AI tools familiarity

Job description

Looking to make a real impact on how we work at Wickes? We’re on the hunt for a brilliant Employee Relations Partner to join us.

This isn’t just about managing processes; it’s about rolling up your sleeves, thinking differently, and helping us build a culture where everyone can do their best work. We’re moving from traditional compliance to a modern, people-led, and tech-enabled approach, and we need you to help lead that change.

What you’ll be doing:

This is a role of two halves. About 60% of your time will be hands-on with complex case resolution, where you’ll champion an “informal-first” approach using mediation and coaching to resolve conflicts before they escape. The other 40% is where you’ll get strategic, partnering with leaders to spot systemic trends and using smart, modern AI tools to streamline how we work. You’ll be the person who turns data into action and helps our managers feel confident in leading with empathy.

What you’ll bring to the team:

• A "people-first" mindset: You’ve got proven experience with complex ER matters and a real passion for finding restorative resolutions.
• Strategic thinking: You don’t just look at the case in front of you; you look at the bigger picture to find root causes.
• Tech curiosity: You’re comfortable with—or excited to learn—how AI and new tools can make HR smarter and more efficient.
• Resilience and empathy: You can handle high-pressure situations with a fair, calm, and authentic approach.
• The right credentials: Ideally, you’ll have a CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent) and experience in a fast-paced environment, retail experience would be the icing on the cake.

What can we offer you?

You’ll be supported with fantastic learning and development and have the opportunity to grow and develop your career with us. We also have an early careers network to support you if you’re in your first few years of your career.

We’ll also equip you with a benefits package that includes:

• Competitive bonus
• Private Medical and Life Assurance
• Enhanced contributory pension scheme

Discount platform including savings and cash back at numerous retailers, savings on gym membership, cycle to work scheme

Our widely recognised wellbeing strategy is something we’re proud of at Wickes. As part of this, we offer a range of health and wellbeing benefits and support, including an Employee Assistance Programme, financial education & loans, and access to parental, menopause and fertility support.

By giving you the support you need to do well at work, and the flexibility to make life work for you. We are giving you a career that doesn’t put your life on hold. Where you can be yourself, do your best work, and make a positive difference every day.

About Us:

Wickes is a multi-channel retailer operating in the home improvement market. With 50 years in industry, Wickes now generates revenue in excess of £1.6bn across 230 stores delivered by 8,000+ colleagues. But it is our culture that is considered our best kept secret; it’s a collaborative, down to earth, fun and inclusive environment where people feel part of a winning team. All our colleagues come from different backgrounds, but what we all have in common is a determination to succeed and a passion for being the best we can be. If that sounds like you, we’ll make you feel right at home.

We aim to create an inclusive workplace with colleagues’ wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.

We’re a Disability Confident Employer and committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from disabled people and are committed to providing an accessible recruitment process and workplace for everyone. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments, please let us know here.