Employee Relations Lead

NEWPORT CITY COUNCIL; Newport; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Newport City Council is seeking an experienced Employee Relations Lead to drive the Employee Relations function and shape a fair and constructive workplace culture across the authority. You will provide expert advice on complex workforce matters, support managers to make confident decisions, and promote consistent people practices throughout the organisation.

Working with senior leaders, managers and trade unions, you will lead a team, manage risk using employment law, policy and data, and

Qualifications

• Experienced in employee relations with strong employment law knowledge.
• Proven ability to advise on disciplinary, grievance, capability, absence and organisational change matters.
• Skilled in coaching and developing HR colleagues to deliver high-quality services.
• Ability to use data and policy insight to manage risk and support priorities.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice on complex employee relations matters, including disciplinary, grievance, capability, absence and organisational change cases.
• Lead, coach and support HR colleagues to deliver a consistent, high-quality Employee Relations service.
• Work collaboratively with managers and trade unions to promote early resolution, effective consultation and constructive outcomes.
• Use employment law, policy, data and insight to manage risk, improve practice and support organisational priorities.
• Contribute to the Council's People Plan and promote a culture based on fairness, inclusion and collaboration.

Skills

Employee relations

Employment law

Stakeholder engagement

Coaching

Job description

Post No. POSN003888 - Employee Relations Lead

We're looking for a highly experienced Employee Relations professional to lead our Employee Relations function and help shape a positive workplace culture across Newport City Council. You'll provide expert advice on complex workforce matters, support managers to make confident decisions and play a key role in promoting fair and consistent people practices across the organisation.

Employee relations is about helping people navigate some of the most challenging moments in working life while ensuring fair, balanced and constructive outcomes. Working closely with senior leaders, managers, trade unions and HR colleagues, you'll help ensure workplace issues are managed effectively, risks are addressed proactively and positive employee relations remain at the heart of good people management.

This opportunity has arisen following the promotion of the current postholder, reflecting the development opportunities available within our HR & OD Service.

In this role, you will:

• Provide expert advice on complex employee relations matters, including disciplinary, grievance, capability, absence and organisational change cases.
• Lead, coach and support HR colleagues to deliver a consistent, high-quality Employee Relations service.
• Work collaboratively with managers and trade unions to promote early resolution, effective consultation and constructive outcomes.
• Use employment law, policy, data and insight to manage risk, improve practice and support organisational priorities.
• Contribute to the Council's People Plan and promote a culture based on fairness, inclusion and collaboration.

About you

You'll be an experienced HR professional with strong employment law knowledge and a proven track record of managing complex and sensitive workforce issues.

You’ll have the credibility to advise managers, senior leaders and trade union representatives, balancing organisational risk with practical and people-focused solutions.

You’ll be motivated by resolving complex workplace issues, supporting managers through challenging situations and delivering fair, timely and constructive outcomes for employees and services alike.

You’ll bring a calm, balanced and pragmatic approach that builds trust and confidence, even in the most sensitive circumstances.

If you're passionate about Employee Relations and want to lead an important function within a large and diverse organisation, we'd love to hear from you.

Shortlisting: 24/09/2026

Interviews: Week commencing 05/10/2026

We welcome applications for all our jobs in either Welsh or English. An application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Newport City Council is committed to working towards its workforce being more representative of the population that we serve and particularly welcomes applications from people from minority ethnic communities represented, or living, in the city. Selection will be made on ability and skills to undertake the role.

Newport City Council is not currently supporting applicants with sponsorship for right to work. In applying for a vacancy, applicants should already have the right to work in the UK.

Our values

Fairness for all, Making a difference, Being responsible, Working together

Ein gwerthoedd

Tegwch i Bawb, Gwneud Gwahaniaeth, Bod yn Gyfrifol, Gweithio gyda'n gilydd