Employee Relations Manager: Strategic HR Partner

freshfields; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Freshfields seeks an experienced Employee Relations Manager to join the global ER team. You will provide expert guidance to HR and leaders across the UK, leading complex ER projects and ensuring fair, compliant resolutions in a fast-paced professional services environment.

Based in Manchester with hybrid working, you will shape workplace experiences, drive policy development, and coach managers in ER best practices while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships and data-driven insights.

Qualifications

• Significant experience independently managing a broad range of employee relations matters.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and ER best practice.
• Confident presentation and reporting of ER data trends and actions.
• Experience advising managers and stakeholders on complex and sensitive issues.
• Ability to use AI tools to optimise working practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice on complex ER matters including conduct, complaints, sickness absence, and performance issues.
• Lead and manage complex ER cases from consultation to resolution.
• Conduct workplace investigations across regions.
• Oversee ownership and archiving of HR policies globally.
• Develop and implement employment policies, procedures and guidance.
• Deliver ER training and coaching to managers and HR teams.
• Stay updated on employment law and ER trends; keep advice current.

Skills

Employee relations

UK employment law

Stakeholder engagement

Data analysis

AI tools

Communication

Tools

AI tools

Job description

Freshfields seeks an experienced Employee Relations Manager to join the global ER team. You will provide expert guidance to HR and leaders across the UK, leading complex ER projects and ensuring fair, compliant resolutions in a fast-paced professional services environment.

Based in Manchester with hybrid working, you will shape workplace experiences, drive policy development, and coach managers in ER best practices while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships and data-driven insights.