Employee Relations Manager

Princess Alexandra Hospital; Harlow; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust is seeking an experienced Employee Relations Manager to lead the ER service across the Trust. You will provide expert guidance on employment legislation, NHS policy and best practice, and support complex in-workforce issues while guiding the ER team.

You will develop management capability through training and coaching, manage Trade Union relationships, and drive service improvements to ensure consistent, high-quality employee relations support.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Excellent knowledge of employment law, workforce policy and employee relations best practice.
• Strong influencing, coaching and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the day-to-day management of the Employee Relations Team.
• Provide expert ER advice to managers on employment legislation and NHS policy.
• Support MHPS cases and complex medical workforce ER matters.
• Develop management capability through training, coaching and early intervention approaches.
• Build effective relationships with Trade Unions and key stakeholders.
• Lead service improvement initiatives and develop ER policies and guidance.

Skills

Senior ER/HR advisory

Complex ER casework

NHS/public sector experience

Employment law knowledge

Stakeholder management

Coaching & development

Job description

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 that’s 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 we’re working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.

We are 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.

Are you an experienced Employee Relations professional with a passion for developing managers, resolving complex workforce issues, and improving colleague experience?

As part of our People & Culture Directorate, we are seeking an experienced and credible Employee Relations Manager to lead the delivery of a high-quality employee relations service across the Trust.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping a positive employee relations culture, supporting managers to resolve workforce issues effectively, and ensuring the consistent application of employment law, NHS policy, and best practice.

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.