Employee Relations (ER) Specialist

UK Biobank Limited; Cheadle; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biomedical research organization is seeking an ER Specialist to support their People and Development team. The role involves advising on complex employee relations matters and improving workplace policies. Candidates should have significant experience in handling grievances and disciplinary cases, along with a solid understanding of employment law. The position offers a flexible hybrid working pattern based in Greater Manchester with various employee benefits.

Benefits

26 Days’ Annual Leave

Holiday Buy Scheme

Birthday Leave

USS Pension Scheme

Healthcare Cash Plan

Enhanced Family Leave

Cycle to Work Scheme

Season Ticket Loan

Professional Subscriptions

Learning budget

Free On-Site Gym

Subsidised Canteen Lunches

Free Car Parking

Employee Discounts Portal

Employee Assistance Programme

Annual Flu Vaccination

Life Assurance Cover

Qualifications

• Significant experience with employee grievances and disciplinary cases.
• Ability to take accurate notes during hearings and meetings.
• Comprehensive knowledge of employment law.

Responsibilities

• Lead on high-risk ER cases.
• Support managers with performance management.
• Advise on sickness absence and health issues.

Skills

Employee grievances handling

Complex ER issue advising

Analytical thinking

Conflict resolution skills

Strong communication skills

Education

CIPD Qualification

Job description

Overview

At UK Biobank, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As a world-leading biomedical research resource, we rely on a strong, supportive, and fair workplace culture to help our teams thrive and deliver impact at scale.

Description

As an ER Specialist, you’ll play a key role in supporting our People and Development team by providing expert advice and guidance on employee relations matters. From complex casework to policy development, your work will help ensure a positive, inclusive, and legally compliant working environment across the organisation.

Can you do it?

Reporting to the Senior People Business Partner, you’ll lead on high-risk or complex ER cases, support managers with performance and absence issues, and contribute to the development of policies and procedures that reflect best practice and employment law.

Essential responsibilities

• Advising and supporting managers on ER issues, including complex or high-risk cases
• Monitoring people data trends (e.g. absence) and developing action plans
• Supporting performance management processes and action plans
• Promoting early resolution of grievances through mediation or facilitated conversations
• Leading or supporting investigations into misconduct, ensuring accurate documentation
• Advising on sickness absence and health-related issues, including complex cases
• Supporting consultations related to restructures, redundancies, or TUPE transfers
• Contributing to the development and improvement of ER policies and processes
• Supporting the delivery of Management Masterclasses and sharing legislative updates

The working pattern is Monday to Friday, with hybrid working arrangements based in Greater Manchester (initially Stockport, moving to Manchester Science Park in 2026).

Our commitment to inclusion, wellbeing, and professional development ensures UK Biobank is not just a great place to work but a place where you can make a difference.

Is this you?

Essential Knowledge and Experience:

• Significant experience handling employee grievances and disciplinary cases
• Proven ability to advise managers and senior leaders on complex ER issues
• Ability to take accurate notes during hearings and meetings
• Comprehensive knowledge of employment law and relevant legislation
• Experience monitoring and reporting on ER trends to inform policy
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments
• Strong communication skills—both verbal and written
• Analytical thinking and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to build trusted relationships across all levels of the organisation
• High integrity, confidentiality, and impartiality

Desirable Knowledge and Experience:

• CIPD Qualification
• Project management experience

Your Wellbeing Matters to Us

We’re proud to offer a benefits package that supports your health, financial security, and work-life balance - right from day one. Here’s what you can look forward to as part of our team:

• 26 Days’ Annual Leave - Plus Bank Holidays, increasing with length of service.
• Holiday Buy Scheme - Purchase up to one additional week of leave per year.
• Birthday Leave - Enjoy a paid day off to celebrate your birthday.
• USS Pension Scheme - Hybrid defined benefit/defined contribution pension plan.
• Healthcare Cash Plan - Claim back costs for everyday health expenses.
• Enhanced Family Leave - Available from day one for maternity, paternity, and adoption.
• Cycle to Work Scheme - Save on a new bike and accessories.
• Season Ticket Loan - Interest-free loan to help with commuting costs.
• Professional Subscriptions - Reimbursement where applicable.
• Learning budget - Annual funds for courses, books, or anything else that fuels your personal and professional growth.
• Free On-Site Gym - Stay active with access to our gym facilities.
• Subsidised Canteen Lunches - Enjoy healthy meals at reduced prices.
• Free Car Parking - On-site parking available for staff.
• Employee Discounts Portal - Access to savings across retail, travel, and more.
• Employee Assistance Programme - Confidential support for personal and work-related issues.
• Annual Flu Vaccination - Stay protected with free flu jabs.
• Life Assurance Cover - Financial protection for your loved ones.

#LI-Hybrid

The job advert closing date may change, so we recommend that if you are planning to apply that you do so without delay.