Employee Relations Lead - 12-month FTC

GHD; Manchester; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Manchester is seeking a Senior Employee Relations Lead / People Business Partner to shape their Employee Relations framework. You will lead the ER strategy, resolve complex cases, and influence business strategy through people insights. Candidates should have expertise in UK employment law and a collaborative mindset. This position offers competitive salary and benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Up to 25 days annual leave

Qualifications

• Experience in managing complex ER issues including ACAS processes and Employment Tribunals.
• Demonstrated success in leading ER strategies and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Experience supporting business units as a strategic HR partner.

Responsibilities

• Lead and evolve the ER strategy for the UK region.
• Act as the expert on complex ER matters including performance and grievances.
• Guide and mentor the business partnering team in best practice case management.

Skills

Deep expertise in UK employment law

Data-driven mindset

High emotional intelligence

Collaborative style

Job description

At GHD we are committed to addressing the world’s biggest challenges in the areas of energy, water and communities.

About us

We are a global network of multi-disciplinary professionals providing clients with integrated solutions through engineering, environmental, design and construction expertise.

Our future-focused, innovative approaches connect and support communities around the world, building resiliency and sustainability for generations to come.

Established in 1928, we remain wholly owned by our people. We are 10,000+ diverse and skilled individuals connected by over 200 offices, across five continents.

The Opportunity

As we grow our presence and capability across the UK, we are seeking a Senior Employee Relations Lead / People Business Partner to join our forward-thinking People team.

This is a high-impact role for a seasoned HR professional to shape our Employee Relations (ER) framework across the region and act as a trusted advisor and partner to senior business leaders.

Reporting to the UK People Leader, you will lead our approach to Employee Relations in the UK, owning the development of ER strategy, policies, and procedures in alignment with GHD's culture and upcoming legislative changes. You’ll also act as a key Business Partner to selected teams within our UK operations.

This role offers the best of both worlds: deep involvement in shaping policy and resolving complex cases, combined with the opportunity to influence business strategy through data-led people insights.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and evolve the ER strategy for the UK region.
• Act as the go-to expert on complex ER matters, including performance, conduct, grievances, and disciplinaries.
• Oversee and resolve sensitive cases, settlements, and conciliation processes.
• Guide and mentor the business partnering team in best practice case management.
• Ensure GHD policies reflect legal, cultural, and DEI developments.
• Partner with legal and compliance teams to manage risk and ensure regulatory alignment.
• Lead ER-related training and capability-building across the business.

Strategic People Business Partnering

• Build strong internal client relationships and provide commercial HR support to leaders.
• Leverage people analytics to uncover trends and support informed decision-making.
• Provide expert guidance on HR frameworks across the employee lifecycle – from recruitment and performance to succession and retention.
• Support and influence organisational change and transformation projects.
• Collaborate with the global People team and external networks to share insights and drive innovation.

What You’ll Bring

• Deep expertise in UK employment law and managing complex ER issues including ACAS processes and Employment Tribunals.
• Demonstrated success in leading ER strategies and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Experience supporting business units as a strategic HR partner.
• A proactive, data-driven mindset with a passion for problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• High emotional intelligence, resilience, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• A collaborative and credible style that builds trust across all levels of the organisation.

Personal Attributes

• Adaptable – comfortable navigating ambiguity and shifting priorities.
• Persistent – unwavering focus on long-term goals, even through obstacles.
• Curious – committed to learning, insight-seeking, and improving practices.
• Composed – calm and professional under pressure.
• Influential – skilled in engaging and persuading others with integrity.
• Credible – trusted to deliver with consistency and professionalism.

Why Join GHD?

• Competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package (pension, medical, income protection, enhanced parental leave, and more).
• Up to 25 days annual leave + option to buy up to 4 additional weeks.
• Clear career pathways—whether your passion lies in technical excellence, client leadership, or people management.
• A global, employee-owned company where your contribution shapes the future.
• Access to our Employee Network Groups and tools to support your mental health and wellbeing.
• The chance to be part of a company committed to diversity, sustainability, and ethical leadership.

Let's put your ideas into action.

If you see the world differently and are driven by a desire to make real change, together we'll make it happen. Everybody at GHD has their own commitment, and we’re here to support yours.

Your success is our success, and together we'll make a lasting impact on our world for generations to come.

Our Pledge to You

At GHD, we don’t just believe in the power of commitment, we live and breathe it every day.

That’s why we pledge to empower our people to make a positive impact. Combining our deep technical expertise with the capabilities of our clients and partners, we respond to some of the most complex challenges facing our planet today.

See where your commitment could take you.

That’s the #PowerOfCommitment

The Power of Commitment is our brand promise. It’s what makes us different. We are bound to our stated vision and determination to address humanity’s most urgent needs: to make water, energy and urbanisation sustainable for generations to come.

Apply Now

Make an impact where it matters. Join GHD in leading change and building a better future – together.