Employee Relations Manager

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust; Birtley; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust is seeking an Employee Relations Manager to lead and develop the ER function within the Trust. You will provide expert ER advice across divisions, support the ER team, and work with HR, Occupational Health, and trade unions to maintain high-quality services.

The role focuses on advising on employment law, NHS policy, and best practice, plus driving improvements in ER processes and KPI delivery within the team.

Qualifications

• Senior ER operational management experience.
• Experience advising on complex ER matters per policy and legislation.
• NHS or public sector ER experience at a senior level.
• MHPS experience in ER matters.
• Experience delivering training interventions.
• Subject matter expert in all ER related matters.
• Experience managing staff.
• Able to evidence project management experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert ER advice and support while overseeing the ER Team.
• Lead complex ER cases including disciplinary, grievance, attendance, capability and performance matters.
• Advise managers on employment legislation, NHS policy and best practice.
• Support MHPS cases and medical workforce ER matters.
• Develop management capability through training, coaching and early intervention approaches.
• Build effective relationships with Trade Union representatives and stakeholders.
• Lead service improvement initiatives and assist in ER policy development.

Skills

ER expertise

Coaching

Stakeholder management

Policy knowledge

Training delivery

People management

Education

Masters degree

CIPD registration

Tools

MHPS experience

Job description

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust

Employee Relations Manager

The closing date is 17 November 2026

The post holder will report to the Employee Relations Lead and will support the line management and mentoring of the Employee Relations (ER) team members to ensure the provision of a cohesive and standardised service that delivers consistently high standards of advice. They will also provide support to managers and staff within the Trust and contribute to the development and delivery of a variety of tools and interventions to improve management understanding and their capabilities in all ER-related matters. They will work closely with the wider workforce teams to ensure the delivery of a professional and high-quality ER service to Trust Divisions and departments.Key responsibilities include being the expert in employment relations issues, providing advice across the Divisions, and ensuring best practice initiatives are followed. The post holder will also identify continuous improvement projects to streamline and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the service.The post holder must always act in a manner that supports the Trust values and promotes equality and diversity. Additionally, they will actively support KPI delivery within the team and participate in the development and review of policies.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will contribute to providing operational oversight for comprehensive and consistent advice, support, and training in all ER matters to the Trust. They will ensure integrated working with the wider People functions to deliver a consistent and seamless service. The post holder will be expected to forge effective working relationships with stakeholders at all levels, including HR colleagues, Occupational Health, Directors and Managers, and trade union and professional representative bodies.

About us

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme thats changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.This means were working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.Were a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.

Job responsibilities

Main duties of the job

Reporting to the Employee Relations Lead, you will provide expert advice and support on a wide range of employee relations matters while overseeing the day-to-day management of the Employee Relations Team.

You will:

• Lead and support the management of complex employee relations cases, including disciplinary, grievance, attendance, capability and performance matters.
• Provide expert advice to managers on employment legislation, NHS policy and best practice.
• Support the management of MHPS cases and complex medical workforce employee relations issues.
• Develop management capability through training, coaching and early intervention approaches.
• Build effective relationships with Trade Union representatives and key stakeholders.
• Lead service improvement initiatives and support the development of employee relations policies, procedures and guidance.
• Manage and develop the Employee Relations Team, ensuring the delivery of a consistent and high-quality service.

We are looking for a highly skilled Employee Relations professional who can demonstrate:

• Experience in a senior employee relations or HR advisory role.
• Experience managing complex employee relations casework.
• Experience providing employee relations advice within the NHS or wider public sector.
• Experience of MHPS and medical workforce employee relations matters.
• Experience managing and developing staff.
• Excellent knowledge of employment law, workforce policy and employee relations best practice.
• Strong influencing, coaching and stakeholder management skills.

For an information discussion contact Anuja Gupta, Employee Relations Lead via [e-mail]

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Educated to a masters degree level in a relevant subject or equivalent level of experience of working at a similar level in specialist area
• Continuing professional development, taking ownership and accountability for staying up to date / professionally registered with the CIPD

Experience

• Able to demonstrate recent experience in a senior ER operational management role (employment relations/caseload)
• Recent experience of advising and on complex ER related matters in line with policy and legislation
• Up-to-date experience of providing employment relations advice and services in the NHS or public sector at a senior level
• Previous experience of MHPS
• Experience of creating and delivering training interventions.
• Experience of being a subject matter expert in all ER related matters
• Experience managing staff
• Able to evidence project management experience

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust