Employee Relations Manager

JR United Kingdom; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in Birmingham is seeking an experienced Employee Relations Manager to join their dynamic People team. This exciting permanent role involves leading a small team and providing strategic guidance across all areas of employee relations, including managing complex casework and developing policies. You'll play a crucial role in fostering a positive workplace culture while safeguarding the organization against legal risks. If you're passionate about employee engagement and have a strong background in ER, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service)

Enrolment in the Social Housing Pension Scheme

3x salary death-in-service cover

Access to a 24/7 virtual GP service

Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave

Paid sick leave for at least eight weeks

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounts via the Blue Light Card

Recognition awards for long service

Health cash plan and wellness benefits

Qualifications

• Strong leadership experience in managing high-risk employee relations cases.
• Expert knowledge of UK employment law and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Employee Relations Advisory team and manage complex cases.
• Provide strategic advice and coaching to senior leaders on ER matters.

Skills

Leadership in Employee Relations

UK Employment Law

Policy Development

Data Analysis

Communication Skills

Negotiation Skills

Job description

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Birmingham | £50,000 - £55,000 | Permanent | Full Time | 2 days onsite / 3 days WFH

A Birmingham-based housing association is seeking an experienced Employee Relations Manager to join their People team on a permanent, full-time basis.

Reporting to the Head of People Operations, you will lead a small team of two and provide strategic guidance across all areas of employee relations. You will be responsible for managing complex casework, supporting and coaching managers, developing policies, and driving a positive, fair and inclusive workplace culture. Acting as a key escalation point for high-risk cases, you will help safeguard the organisation against legal and reputational risks while promoting proactive employee engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the ER Advisory team, managing complex cases including disciplinaries, grievances, performance management and redundancies
• Act as a senior escalation point for high-risk ER issues and tribunal claims
• Provide strategic advice and coaching to managers and senior leaders on employee relations matters
• Develop and implement ER policies and ensure legal compliance and best practice
• Analyse ER data to identify trends, risks and opportunities for proactive interventions
• Design and deliver training for managers on ER topics and early intervention strategies
• Support the organisation’s employee engagement and wellbeing initiatives
• Manage trade union relationships and responses to recognition attempts

About You:

• Strong leadership experience within ER, including managing high-risk cases
• Expert knowledge of UK employment law and best practice employee relations approaches
• Proven ability to advise, coach and influence senior leaders
• Experience in policy development and implementation
• Data-driven with experience analysing ER trends to inform strategy
• Skilled in balancing risk, business needs and employee experience
• Excellent communication, negotiation and organisational skills

Benefits include:

• 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service) plus your birthday off
• Enrolment in the Social Housing Pension Scheme (SHPS)
• 3x salary death-in-service cover
• Access to a 24/7 virtual GP service
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
• Paid sick leave for at least eight weeks
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) with trained counsellors
• Discounts via the Blue Light Card and rewards website
• Money off optical prescriptions and eye tests
• Recognition awards for long service
• Health cash plan, personal accident plan, and other wellness benefits