Employee Relations Manager

Macmillan Davies; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading lifestyle brand group in England is seeking an experienced Employee Relations Manager to lead their ER function. This role involves managing a team, overseeing complex cases, and advising business leaders. Ideal candidates will have strong knowledge of UK employment law and demonstrated employee relations expertise in a fast-paced environment. The company offers a supportive culture with various employee benefits.

Benefits

Employee recognition schemes

Career development opportunities

Wellbeing initiatives

Qualifications

• Proven track record in employee relations, including managing a team.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices.
• Experience handling complex and sensitive situations.

Responsibilities

• Lead a small team of Employee Relations Advisors.
• Oversee complex case management including grievances and investigations.
• Act as a trusted advisor providing commercially focused advice.

Skills

Employee relations management

UK employment law

Communication skills

Problem-solving mindset

Education

CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent)

Job description

Macmillan Davies are delighted to be working again with this leading lifestyle brand group who are continuing to expand across the UK and internationally.

With a portfolio of well-known names across sports, fashion, and luxury, they're on a mission to redefine the retail experience through innovation, scale, and an ambitious growth strategy.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Employee Relations Manager to join their head office team and lead a specialist ER function that supports colleagues across retail, distribution, and head office environments.

The Role

You'll head up a small team of Employee Relations Advisors, ensuring the smooth and consistent handling of all ER cases across the business. This is a hands‑on leadership role where you'll balance people development, case management, and strategic input into continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading, coaching and developing a team of ER Advisors to deliver a high‑performing and collaborative culture.
• Overseeing complex case management, including absence, grievances, disciplinaries, appeals and investigations.
• Acting as a trusted advisor to business leaders, providing clear and commercially focused advice aligned with employment law.
• Working closely with People Partners to ensure effective resolution of ER issues within their business areas.
• Reviewing and maintaining HR policies and processes to ensure compliance with legislation.
• Ensuring consistency through tools, templates and systems that enable accurate reporting and data‑driven insight.
• Identifying case trends and themes to support proactive initiatives and continuous improvement.

About You

We're looking for someone who can balance technical expertise with people leadership, and who thrives in a fast‑paced, high‑growth environment.

You bring:

• Proven track record in employee relations, including managing a team.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Confidence in handling complex and sensitive situations.
• CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent) is desirable.
• A collaborative approach, with strong communication and influencing skills.
• Resilience, empathy and a pragmatic problem‑solving mindset.

What's on Offer

This business has a strong people‑first culture and is committed to recognising and rewarding its employees.

You have access to:

• Employee recognition schemes that celebrate outstanding contributions.
• Career development opportunities within a global, fast‑growing organisation.
• Exclusive events that bring together teams from across the UK and Europe.
• Wellbeing initiatives, including fitness programmes, free gym classes, mental health support and financial wellbeing resources.

Next Steps
If you’re an experienced Employee Relations Manager who’s ready to make an impact in a dynamic, ambitious retail group, I’d love to hear from you. Apply today to discuss this opportunity in confidence.