Employee Relations Specialist

Veolia; England; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Veolia is seeking an ER Specialist for a 12-month fixed-term contract in England, focusing on employee relations within the Treatment division. The role involves managing trade union negotiations, providing expert advice on ER matters, and fostering a positive working relationship with employees. Candidates should have a strong background in HR Generalist roles, effective communication, and problem-solving skills to navigate complex union issues.

Benefits

Access to company pension scheme

Retail discounts

24/7 virtual GP access

Paid volunteer day

Ongoing training opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in HR Generalist or ER role in a unionized environment.
• Track record in managing complex trade union disputes.
• Experience advising on complex disciplinary and grievance issues.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist advice on employee relations matters including disciplinary and grievances.
• Liaise with Trade Union representatives regarding pay negotiations.
• Support the company in TUPE transfers and Mergers and Acquisitions.

Skills

Communication

Problem Solving

Attention to Detail

Influencing Skills

Job description

Salary - Competitive plus Veolia benefits including company car and enhanced pension
Location -This post will involve some travel across the South in particular West Berkshire and Essex with occasional trips further afield . Travel may also involve overnight stays.

This role is a 12 month fixed term contract.

When you see the world as we do, you see the chance to help the world take better care of its resources, and help it become a better place for everyone. It's why we're looking for someone who's just as committed as we are, to push for genuine change and bring our ambition of Ecological Transformation to life.

We know that everyone here at Veolia can help us work alongside our communities, look after the environment, and contribute to our inclusive culture.

What we can offer you:

- Access to our company pension scheme

- Discounts on a range of well known retailers and such things as groceries

- Access to a range of resources to support your physical, mental and financial health; so you can lean on us whenever you need to

- 24 hour access to a virtual GP, 365 days a year, for you and family members in your household

- One paid days leave every year to volunteer and support your community

- Ongoing training and development opportunities, allowing you to reach your full potential

What you'll be doing:

This role will predominantly cover the West Berkshire and Essex Business Units in the Treatment division and will act as the first point of contact for operational line managers on employee relations matters, providing specialist advice and solutions in line with current legislation. This will include but not limited to disciplinary, grievances, investigations, restructures and capability.

You will liaise with the Trade Union representative both internal and external in relation to Pay Negotiations and with the support of a wider team, manage employment tribunal claims as required.

• Develop the capacity of line managers to manage a range of ER cases locally, developing management styles to foster positive working relationships with employees, minimising the occurrence of line management problems and issues and fostering a positive climate for ER activity.
• Coach and develop managers to be competent and consistent in their execution of Veolia's HR policies and procedures encouraging problems to be dealt with informally and as soon as possible, rather than allowing situations to escalate.
• Proactively manage and support the company in relation to all elements of TUPE and Mergers and Acquisitions. Ensuring all relevant processes are followed and compliance is met.
• Foster and support a partnership relationship with the unions at the local level. To form part of the negotiations team for local pay negotiations and to identify with unions and contract managers joint initiatives and proactively participate in quarterly ER climate meetings. When applicable work with the contract manager to respond to any trade disputes and set contingency plans to minimise the impact on the service and bring the dispute to a swift conclusion.
• Work collaboratively with the HR Business Partners within the designated contract areas on a range of people and organisational matters.
• Have oversight of absence management in the designated area and to work with senior managers to reduce absence levels in the designated contract areas.
• Work flexibly across the region as required supporting colleagues on projects and work activity.
• Support TUPE transfers and new business acquisitions as required.

What we're looking for:

• An ER Specialist who has a proven track record in managing a range of complex trade union issues / disputes gained in a complex operational environment.
• Previous experience in an HR Generalist or ER role within a unionised and regulated environment with different trade union groups.
• Proven ER experience including advising on complex disciplinary and grievance issues with the ability to apply the relevant legal principles and risk assessment.
• Experience of partnering with trade unions and a good understanding of the trade union framework and collective bargaining.
• Strong communication and influencing skills with the ability to interact across all levels of management.
• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving ability and ability to deliver results to demanding deadlines.
• Experience of mediating disputes and bringing matters to a positive conclusion.
• Previous experience of advising and guiding senior stakeholders on a range of people matters in a comparable work environment.

What's next?

Apply today, so we can make a difference for generations to come.

We're proud to have been named as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work for three consecutive years in 2023, 2024 and 2025. This consistent recognition reflects our commitment to our people, demonstrating that Veolia is not just transforming the environment, we're also transforming what it means to have a rewarding, purposeful career.

We're dedicated to supporting you throughout your application journey, offering adjustments where reasonable and appropriate. As a proud Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to applicants with a disability or long-term condition who opt-in to the Disability Confident scheme, and meet the minimum criteria for our roles.

We're also committed to ensuring that all applicants and colleagues receive fair treatment without discrimination on any grounds, aiming to create a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.