Employee Relations Specialist

Ryman; Crewe; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking an Employee Relations Specialist to lead in managing complex employee relations cases and support the broader People strategy. This pivotal role involves providing expert advice on ER matters, enhancing manager capabilities, and ensuring compliance with employment law. You will be part of a dynamic team that values growth and impact, offering a competitive salary and generous benefits. If you are passionate about fostering a positive workplace culture and making a real difference, this is the role for you.

Benefits

Company pension scheme

Generous holiday allowance

Training programme

Cycle2Work scheme

Free on-site parking

Subsidised canteen

Colleague referral scheme

Long service awards

Company social events

Exclusive discounts

Qualifications

• Proven experience in HR with a focus on Employee Relations.
• Solid understanding of employment law and HR best practices.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex ER cases including grievance and disciplinary procedures.
• Serve as the primary contact for ER issues, ensuring compliance.

Skills

Employee Relations

Employment Law

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Time Management

Google Suite

Education

CIPD Level 5 qualification

Job description

Job Title: Employee Relations Specialist

Hours: 37.5

Office based, Monday - Friday, 8:30 - 17:00

Location: Crewe

Annual Salary: Starts at £35,000

WHAT WILL THIS ROLE INVOLVE?

As an ER Specialist, you will report directly to the People Director and work in close collaboration with our operational teams to provide support and guidance on employee relations (ER) matters. You'll take responsibility for ER case management and be responsible for updating on policies and legislation. This is a pivotal role where you will actively contribute to building a business where people love to work whilst supporting delivery of our broader People strategy.

WHAT WILL YOU BE RESPONSIBLE FOR?

• Take a lead role in managing complex ER cases, including grievance and disciplinary procedures, absence management, mediation and conflict resolution, and performance management
• Serve as the primary point of contact for team members and managers on ER issues, offering expert advice & guidance and ensuring compliance with company policies and employment law
• Contribute to improving manager capability across all ER areas
• Lead the process for Occupational Health referrals, including liaising with OH providers, reviewing reports, and advising managers on appropriate actions and reasonable adjustments.
• Facilitate welfare meetings with employees to understand their needs and explore support options
• Support the implementation of HR policies and procedures
• Be the ER expert and keep the HR team updated on latest legislation and impact on the business
• Coordinate and deliver HR training sessions and workshops

WHAT WOULD WE LIKE TO SEE IN YOU?

• Proven experience in HR, with a strong emphasis on Employee Relations
• Solid understanding of employment law, HR best practices, and disciplinary/grievance procedures
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build
• relationships at all levels
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency in Google Suite.

Preferred

• CIPD Level 5 qualification or equivalent

WHAT WILL WE OFFER YOU?

• A passionate, dynamic team where your growth, ideas, and impact matter
• A competitive pay package
• Company pension scheme with the option to enhance
• Generous holiday allowance including an extra wellbeing day that gives you time to recharge
• Training programme to help you excel in your role
• Opportunities through our apprenticeship programs to keep building on your skills
• Access to mental health first aiders, wellness sessions, and support groups
• Exclusive discounts across all of our brands and through our benefits hub
• Cycle2Work scheme
• Long service and recognition awards
• Colleague referral scheme
• Company and team social events
• Free on-site parking
• Subsidised canteen

WHO ARE WE?

Founded by Henry J Ryman in 1893, Ryman has been the go-to destination for stationery, office supplies, printing, technology, and more for over 130 years. We are part of the Theo Paphitis Retail Group, which also includes Robert Dyas, Boux Avenue, and London Graphic Centre.

From our very first store on Great Portland Street, we have grown to over 200 locations and a thriving website and app offering quality products and exceptional service. We believe in supporting our colleagues and equipping them with the tools and knowledge they need to grow, thrive, and have fun whilst doing it.

At Ryman, all of our teams from our stores to our warehouse and Retail Support Centre are passionate about retail. We put our customers first and have a common goal to keep them at the heart of everything we do. We are energetic and enthusiastic, delivering results through resilience, innovation, and adaptability. If you are a team player who's ready to make an impact, this could be the perfect role for you.

Ryman is an equal opportunities employer. Our policy is to recruit a diverse workforce and follow the guidelines of the Equality Act. Our mission is to welcome everyone and create inclusive teams. We celebrate differences, encourage everyone to join us, and be themselves at work.

PLEASE NOTE THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE AND YOU MAY BE REQUIRED TO CARRY OUT OTHER DUTIES AS AND WHEN REQUIRED.