Employee Relations Consultant (10 Month FTC)

Carnival; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading holiday company in Southampton seeks an Employee Relations Consultant to provide expert HR advice and support on employee relations matters. The role involves negotiating and resolving complex issues while fostering a positive workplace environment. Candidates should have strong knowledge of UK employment law and be proficient in HR systems. The position offers hybrid work flexibility and various employee benefits, including a competitive leave policy and development opportunities.

Benefits

Employee Discounted Cruising

Minimum 25 days leave

Recognition scheme with prizes

Regular office events

Extensive learning opportunities

Employee Assistance programme

Health Cash Plan

Onsite restaurant

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of UK employment laws is essential.
• Must have experience managing disciplinary procedures.
• Ability to effectively utilize HR systems is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert guidance on HR policies and compliance.
• Investigate and resolve complex employee relations issues.
• Support and coach managers on employee relations matters.

Skills

Knowledge of UK employment legislation

Disciplinary and grievance investigation experience

Proficient in Microsoft Word

Proficient in Microsoft Excel

Proficient in Microsoft PowerPoint

Tools

HR systems (SAP, Oracle)

Job description

Carnival UK are a leading name in the holiday sector, dedicated to delivering unforgettable holiday happiness to our guests. Our success is built on a foundation of diverse talents and perspectives, and we believe in fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

In our continuous journey of growth and innovation at Carnival UK, we are seeking an Employee Relations (ER) Consultant to bring fresh insights and expertise to our People department.

Role Overview

With an overarching goal to provide professional, comprehensive, business focused and timely Employee Relations advice to key stakeholders in the business, the ER Consultant at Carnival UK take ownership over a high volume of complex caseloads, and support and coach managers, both within the shore-based and fleet teams, balancing risk to the business with proposed solutions.

This pivotal role will involve:

• Provide expert guidance on HR policies, procedures, and best practice to ensure compliance and fairness.
• Investigate and resolve complex employee relations issues, including disputes, grievances and disciplinary matters.
• Require a creative thinker and problem solver who is comfortable and effective at negotiating and influencing and thrive in a fast-paced environment. You will be able to quickly build rapport and profile within the business as a trusted ER expert.

This role is positioned at CUK09 level within our organisation and is available on a full-time, fixed term basis for 10 months. We offer hybrid work including up to two days from home.

What You'll Bring

• Strong knowledge and practical application of UK employment legislation.
• Experience in supporting and conducting disciplinary and grievance investigations and hearings.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to use HR systems and databases (e.g., SAP, Oracle).

About You: The Ideal Candidate

• Discreet and confidential, able to build trust and confidence.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, with a customer service focus.
• Calm and composed under pressure, able to deliver results to demanding deadlines.
• Team player with a proactive attitude, able to work independently and manage workload effectively.

Application Guidance

Diversity is our strength, and we encourage applications from those with varied experiences, whether you meet every listed requirement or not. If you’re passionate about People and looking for an opportunity to grow, we’d love to hear from you.

Why Join Us?

Working with us means more than just a role in the People team. It’s about being part of a team that values well-being and personal growth.

Read our employee experience guide to learn more about life as a Carnival UK colleague. CUK-employee-experience-guide-July-2025.pdf

Benefits

• Employee Discounted Cruising plus Friends and Family offers
• Minimum 25 days leave, bank holiday allowance and holiday trading scheme
• Recognition scheme with prizes and awards
• Regular office events including live entertainment, lifestyle events and charity partner fundraisers
• Extensive learning and development opportunities
• Employee-led networks
• Employee Assistance and Wellbeing programmes
• Company paid Health Cash Plan and health assessment
• In-house Occupational Health help and access to digital GP
• Life Assurance
• Parental and adoption leave
• Employee Shares Plan
• Electric Car and Cycle to Work schemes
• Onsite restaurant offering range of healthy cooked and grab and go meals
• Discounted retail and leisure via discounts portal
• Contributory Defined Contribution Pension scheme
• A friendly welcome with help settling in

Take the next step

Due to the popularity of our roles and our commitment to finding the best talent, we may close applications earlier than advertised. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join a team dedicated to creating unforgettable holiday happiness. Apply today to start your journey with us.

Recruitment Journey

For more information on your recruitment journey, please visit https://bit.ly/CUKCandidateJourney.