Employee Relations Partner - Fixed Term Contract

WSP; Leeds; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is seeking an ER Partner on a 12 month Fixed Term Contract to collaborate with business leaders across UK & Ireland. You will manage employee relations activity within a defined portfolio, deliver ER upskilling to managers, and provide expert ER advice on complex cases.

You will lead on organisational change, including TUPE and redundancies, drive risk mitigation, and use data insights to target ER improvements across the business. Strong communication and coaching skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Proven ER experience handling complex disciplinary, grievance, performance and capability cases.
• Up-to-date employment law knowledge to advise on business objectives and people impact.
• CIPD Level 5 or equivalent membership or qualification is essential.

Responsibilities

• Partner with leaders and people managers on ER activity within a defined portfolio.
• Deliver ER upskilling sessions to equip managers to handle teams effectively.
• Provide expert advice on ER cases across levels of complexity.
• Identify and mitigate risks within employee relations and manage tribunals.
• Lead organisational change planning, including TUPE, redundancy and moves.
• Use data to highlight ER trends and implement targeted solutions.

Skills

Employee relations

Case management

Change management

Communication

Coaching

Influencing

Education

CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent)

Job description

What if you could shape a career as unique as you?

At WSP, you can always find opportunities to grow and do what matters to you. Make the most of our global reach to discover new challenges and chances to work with diverse, talented individuals who will help you expand your horizons.

This is an opportunity to join our Employee Relations team as an ER Partner on a 12 month Fixed Term Contract.

A little more about your role…

• You will partner with business leaders and people managers on employee relations activity within a defined portfolio of business units.
• You will equip people managers by delivering targeted ER upskilling sessions to enable them to manage their teams effectively.
• You will provide expert advice and support on ER cases at all levels of complexity.
• As an ER subject matter expert, you will identify and manage any risks within the employee relations remit - see, spot, mitigate, eliminate and eliminate where appropriate.
• Your role will see you engaging with leaders at all levels across WSP UK & Ireland, fostering a culture of empowerment, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• You will manage Employment Tribunal claims for your business area, ensuring our approach reflects WSP's commitment to fairness, integrity, and sustainable outcomes.
• You will lead the planning and delivery of organisational change, including TUPE, redundancy, restructuring and office moves.
• You will use data and insights to highlight ER trends and implement solutions to target these within the business.
• You will collaborate with your peers in the ER team to develop a best-in-class approach to employee relations whilst demonstrating the ability to work autonomously on a day-to-day basis.
• You will provide training and upskilling support to the ER Advisors and act as a point of escalation for any cases they are managing within the Portfolio.
• You will support the business in implementing any recommendations or lessons learned on the back of any ER processes.
• You will lean in and support other areas within the ER Team where there is high-volume case management or activity taking place.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…..

• You bring a strong background in ER, with proven experience managing complex cases—disciplinary, grievance, performance, and capability.
• Your expertise in change management and up-to-date knowledge of employment law enable you to provide commercially aware, pragmatic advice that supports both business objectives and our people.
• Your communication, coaching, and influencing skills are central to building trusted relationships and enabling leaders to thrive.
• You are skilled at planning, prioritising, and managing multiple priorities with varying degrees of complexity.
• You have a keen eye for detail and a commitment to delivering results in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

It is essential that you have...

• Working knowledge of TUPE and redundancy legislation.
• Strong background in ER with the ability to manage complex case management at volume and in a fast-paced environment.
• Professional membership of CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent).

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the

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