Employee Relations (ER) Specialist

UK Biobank; Stockport; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 Days’ Annual Leave + Bank Holidays

Healthcare Cash Plan

Cycle to Work Scheme

Free On-Site Gym

Learning budget for courses and books

Job summary

A healthcare research organization in Stockport seeks an Employee Relations (ER) Specialist to support the People and Development team. This role involves advising on complex employee relations issues, managing grievances, and fostering a positive work environment. The ideal candidate has significant experience in ER and strong communication skills, with a hybrid working arrangement available.

Qualifications

• Significant experience handling employee grievances and disciplinary cases.
• Proven ability to advise managers and senior leaders on complex ER issues.
• Comprehensive knowledge of employment law and relevant legislation.

Responsibilities

• Advising and supporting managers on ER issues, including complex cases.
• Supporting performance management processes and action plans.
• Leading or supporting investigations into misconduct.

Skills

Employee grievance handling

Advising on complex ER issues

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Conflict resolution

Education

CIPD Qualification

Job description

Overview

Join to apply for the Employee Relations (ER) Specialist role at UK Biobank.

Application Deadline: 28 September 2025

Department: People & Development

Location: Cheadle

Compensation: £38,000 - £40,000 / year

Role 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.

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

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

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

• 26 Days’ Annual Leave + Bank Holidays, increasing with length of service
• Holiday Buy Scheme (up to one additional week per year)
• Birthday Leave – paid day off
• USS Pension Scheme – hybrid defined benefit/defined contribution
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Enhanced Family Leave – maternity, paternity, and adoption from day one
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Season Ticket Loan
• Professional Subscriptions reimbursement
• Learning budget for courses and books
• Free On-Site Gym
• Subsidised Canteen Lunches
• Free Car Parking on-site
• Employee Discounts Portal
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Annual Flu Vaccination
• Life Assurance Cover

The job advert closing date may change. If you are planning to apply, please do so without delay.