Employee Relations Manager

Katiebard; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Katiebard in Birmingham is seeking an experienced Employee Relations Manager to take ownership of complex ER cases and provide expert advice to managers and senior stakeholders. This ER-focused role (≈80%) requires confident handling of sensitive issues with practical, commercial solutions.

You will lead investigations and hearings, guide colleagues on employment law, and analyse trends to drive improvements in people management practices within a busy HR team.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience managing complex employee relations cases independently.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Confident advising and constructively challenging senior stakeholders.
• Excellent judgement, with the ability to manage sensitive situations and recommend practical, proportionate solutions.
• A proactive, resilient and credible ER professional who can take full ownership of challenging cases.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex ER cases end-to-end, including disciplinary, grievance, performance, absence, appeals and restructuring.
• Advise senior stakeholders on sensitive matters, interpreting law and policies to mitigate risks.
• Lead investigations, hearings and appeals with robust documentation and recommendations.
• Coach managers to handle difficult employee situations effectively.
• Provide guidance to junior HR colleagues on practice and employment law.
• Analyse ER trends and recommend improvements to people management.

Job description

Employee Relations Manager

We are currently seeking an experienced Employee Relations Manager to join a busy HR team, taking ownership of complex employee relations cases and providing expert advice to managers and senior stakeholders. This is a predominantly ER-focused role (approximately 80%), ideal for someone confident managing sensitive, high-risk cases independently and providing commercially sound, solutions-focused advice.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage complex ER cases end-to-end, including disciplinary, grievance, performance, capability, long-term absence, appeals and restructuring.
• Advise senior stakeholders on sensitive employee matters, interpreting employment legislation and internal policies to identify and mitigate legal and reputational risks.
• Lead and guide investigations, hearings and appeals, ensuring robust documentation, evidence and recommendations.
• Coach and challenge managers, building their confidence in handling difficult employee situations effectively.
• Provide technical guidance and support to junior HR colleagues, sharing best practice and employment law knowledge.
• Analyse ER trends and recommend improvements to people management practices and processes.

About You:

• Extensive experience managing complex employee relations cases independently.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Confident advising and constructively challenging senior stakeholders.
• Excellent judgement, with the ability to manage sensitive situations and recommend practical, proportionate solutions.
• A proactive, resilient and credible ER professional who can take full ownership of challenging cases.

Birmingham City Centre