Employee Relations & Policy Manager

Ibstock Futures; Ibstock; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Hybrid working

Life assurance

Pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Share Save scheme

Retail discounts platform

Job summary

Ibstock Futures is seeking an experienced Employee Relations & Policy Manager to lead the operational delivery of our employee relations service across UK locations. Reporting to the Head of Employee Services, you will provide commercially focused, legally compliant guidance to managers to support confident people decisions and a positive colleague experience.

This role combines complex case management, policy leadership, coaching and data-led improvements.

Qualifications

• Significant experience handling complex ER matters across multiple sites.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Proven ability to advise senior managers and influence decisions.
• Experience with Employment Tribunal preparation.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of ER services across UK locations; provide legally compliant advice.
• Coach managers to handle ER issues with confidence and fairness.
• Develop and implement ER policies reflecting legislation and business needs.
• Analyse case data to identify trends and inform senior leadership.

Skills

Employee relations

UK employment law

Trade union relations

Consultation & negotiation

Tribunal preparation

Policy development

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Education

CIPD Level 7

Tools

HR systems

People analytics

Job description

Employee Relations & Policy Manager

Shape employee relations strategy, strengthen management capability and make a positive difference across our UK business.

The opportunity

We are looking for an experienced Employee Relations & Policy Manager to lead the operational delivery of our employee relations service across our UK locations. Reporting to the Head of Employee Services, you will provide commercially focused, legally compliant advice that enables managers to make confident people decisions while supporting a positive colleague experience.

This is a varied and influential role combining complex case management, policy leadership, management coaching and data-led improvement. You will act as a trusted senior specialist, help minimise organisational risk and lead and develop an Employee Relations Specialist to deliver a responsive, high-quality service.

What you’ll do

• Lead and advise on complex, sensitive and high-risk employee relations matters across a multi-site organisation.
• Build and maintain constructive relationships with recognised trade unions and employee representatives.
• Lead and support consultation and negotiation on collective matters, organisational change and the application of collective agreements.
• Support Employment Tribunal preparation, working with external legal advisers and other specialist partners where required.
• Coach and challenge managers so they can handle employee relations issues confidently, fairly and consistently.
• Design and deliver practical training, toolkits and guidance that build management capability and self-sufficiency.
• Lead the development, review and implementation of employee relations policies, ensuring they reflect legislation, best practice and business needs.
• Analyse case data and trends, translating insight into clear recommendations for senior leaders and targeted organisational interventions.
• Build strong relationships across operations and the People function, influencing stakeholders on employee relations strategy and risk.
• Improve and simplify employee relations processes, systems and ways of working.
• Lead, support and develop the Employee Relations Specialist.

What you’ll bring

• Significant experience of managing complex employee relations matters within a multi-site organisation.
• Strong, current knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Proven experience of building effective trade union relationships and supporting consultation, negotiation and collective employee relations matters.
• A proven ability to advise and influence senior managers on complex employment issues.
• Experience of Employment Tribunal preparation and supporting legal proceedings.
• Excellent investigation, analysis, judgement and decision-making skills.
• The ability to balance commercial priorities, legal compliance and colleague experience.
• Experience of developing policies, procedures and practical guidance for managers.
• Clear, credible written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

It would be great if you also have

• Experience in a manufacturing, engineering or industrial environment.
• Experience of working in unionised settings and leading organisational change or consultation activity.
• A CIPD Level 7 qualification, or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience using HR systems and people analytics to identify trends and improvement opportunities.

Why join us?

You will have the opportunity to shape employee relations practice across a diverse UK business, influence senior decision-makers and build capability that delivers lasting results. The role offers genuine scope to improve how we work, strengthen governance and create a consistent, supportive experience for colleagues and managers.

What you’ll get

• Competitive salary, rewarding your skills and experience.
• Car allowance.
• Hybrid working, where appropriate to the role.
• Life assurance
• Pension scheme with employer contributions matched up to 10%.
• Full access to our Employee Assistance Programme for you and your family, including Digicare+ provided by Aviva.
• Share Save scheme eligibility.
• Access to a high-street retail discounts platform.
• Personal development and career progression opportunities.

We welcome applications from people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.