Employee Relations Manager

Churchill Services; Gateshead; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee ownership

33 days holiday

Life assurance

Job summary

Churchill Services is looking for an experienced Employee Relations Manager to lead a team of ER professionals in Gateshead. You will provide expert ER leadership, oversee high‑risk cases, and advise on disciplinary, absence, performance and change matters.

The role involves TUPE transfers and working with stakeholders to ensure legally compliant, commercially aligned ER solutions. Reporting to the Head of HR, you’ll foster a coaching culture, drive continuous improvement and build capability

Qualifications

• Experience leading an Employee Relations or HR advisory team.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and its application.
• Proven ability to handle high‑volume ER activity in a multi‑site setting.
• Experience with TUPE transfers and organisational change.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and coaching to the Employee Relations team.
• Oversee complex, high‑risk ER cases and escalation as needed.
• Advise on disciplinary, absence, performance and redundancy matters.
• Support TUPE transfers and employer/employee change programmes.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure compliant, commercially aligned ER advice.
• Develop quality assurance and audit processes for casework.

Skills

UK employment law

ER leadership

stakeholder management

TUPE experience

coaching leadership

Job description

Based in Gateshead, Team Valley (NE11)

Hybrid working following a successful onboarding period

Full-time 37.5 hours p/w – with flexibility to support business and operational needs

We're seeking experienced Employee Relations Managers to provide expert leadership in ensuring professional delivery of ER solutions and expertise.

Reporting to the Head of HR, you’ll lead a team of Employee Relations professionals supporting our specialist businesses, driving high standards and creating a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

As a trusted ER leader, you'll also oversee complex and high-risk employee relations matters, providing direction where needed while empowering your team to grow in confidence and capability. Working closely with stakeholders across the business, you'll ensure ER advice is commercially sound, legally compliant and aligned with business objectives.

As an Employee Relations Manager you’ll be:

• Providing effective coaching, mentoring and support while empowering team members to make informed decisions independently.
• Overseeing complex, sensitive and high-risk employee relations cases requiring escalation.
• Advising on disciplinary, grievance, absence management, performance, redundancy and organisational change matters.
• Managing and supporting TUPE transfers, including both incoming and outgoing transitions.
• Managing complex industrial relations matters, including those involving trade union engagement.
• Reviewing casework quality and implementing robust audit and quality assurance processes.
• Supporting Employment Tribunal preparation, ACAS matters and complex employee data requests where required.
• Using ER data and management information to provide insights and support informed decision‑making.

As an Employee Relations Manager you’ll have:

• Experience leading an Employee Relations, HR Advisory or broader HR team - bringing credibility, structure and calm leadership to a high‑performing team.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law, with the confidence to advise on complex ER matters and emerging legislative changes.
• Proven experience managing high-volume employee relations activity within a large, multi-site organisation.
• Strong practical experience of TUPE, organisational change, restructures and redundancy programmes.
• The ability to lead, motivate and develop geographically dispersed teams.
• A coaching‑led leadership style that empowers others to build confidence and make informed decisions.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and build credibility at all levels.

What we offer you

We believe in rewarding talent and creating a workplace where everyone feels valued. Here’s what you’ll get:

• Employee Ownership – You are part of our success!
• 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
• Enhanced sick, maternity and paternity leave support
• Life assurance cover
• 24/7 GP access, plus mental health, wellness, financial, and legal support
• Two paid volunteering days per year – Give back to a cause that matters to you
• Exclusive perks and discounts – More than 250 deals available
• Ongoing training and development – From apprenticeships to leadership programs
• Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion – Our Mosaic Committee and Mental Health First Aiders are leading the way
• Recognition and rewards – Celebrating our shining stars all year round

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone belongs. As an inclusive and equal‑opportunity employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. We believe that diversity drives innovation and excellence, and we strive to build a culture of respect, fairness, and opportunity for all.

Reasonable adjustments

Please let us know if there are any adjustments, we can make to support you during our recruitment process. We’re happy to help…

Please note: Security clearance (DBS) is required for this role