Employee Relations Lead | People Partner

Suffolk County Council; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous leave entitlement

LGPS pension scheme

Wellbeing support

Private health care options

EV salary sacrifice scheme

Volunteer days

Flexible and hybrid working

Learning & development opportunities

Job summary

Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils are seeking a People Partner - Employee Relations to lead expert ER advice, oversee complex cases and supervise three HR Advisors. The role focuses on early resolution, manager capability, and compliant, value-led decision making.

You will shape ER practice, review policies against evolving legislation, and build trusted relationships with trade unions and senior leaders across the organisation. Hybrid working and formal qualifications are welcomed.

Qualifications

• CIPD Level 7 or equivalent and substantial ER casework experience.
• Experience developing and implementing HR policies and procedures.
• Up-to-date knowledge of employment legislation and its application to complex cases.
• Strong advisory skills with the ability to influence managers and colleagues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; stakeholder and trade union engagement.
• Ability to analyse data and present insights to senior leaders.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of expert advice on disciplinary, grievance, capability, absence management and probation.
• Manage complex high-risk ER cases and escalate risks appropriately.
• Provide leadership and supervision for three HR Advisors.
• Promote early intervention, informal resolution, and restorative approaches.
• Coach managers to handle people matters confidently.
• Analyse case trends, metrics and outcomes and recommend actions to senior leaders.
• Build relationships with unions and employee representatives.
• Review HR policies and advise on changes in employment law and case law.

Skills

Employee relations

Stakeholder management

HR policies

Employment law

Communication skills

MS Word & Excel

Organisational skills

Education

CIPD Level 7

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils are seeking a People Partner - Employee Relations to lead expert ER advice, oversee complex cases and supervise three HR Advisors. The role focuses on early resolution, manager capability, and compliant, value-led decision making.

You will shape ER practice, review policies against evolving legislation, and build trusted relationships with trade unions and senior leaders across the organisation. Hybrid working and formal qualifications are welcomed.