Employee Relations Specialist

Wade Macdonald; England; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established retail organization in the UK is seeking an experienced Employee Relations Specialist to ensure fair HR practices and support complex employee issues. You will coach leadership, drive policy improvement, and contribute to impactful HR changes within a people-first culture. The ideal candidate has solid ER experience, knowledge of UK employment law, and holds CIPD Level 5 or above. The role offers hybrid working and opportunities for personal development.

Benefits

Hybrid working

Supportive culture

Opportunities for personal development

Qualifications

• Solid experience managing complex employee relations issues.
• Sound knowledge of UK employment law.
• Confident and approachable with strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide practical advice on employee relations matters.
• Coach leaders on managing people issues.
• Lead on complex HR cases like grievances and performance management.
• Align HR practices with legislation and best practices.
• Improve and modernize HR policies.
• Develop digital tools for employee relations activities.
• Use data to inform decision-making and training.
• Contribute to broader people projects and organisational change.

Skills

Managing complex ER issues

Knowledge of UK employment law

Coaching stakeholders

Clear communication

Empathy with commercial awareness

Education

CIPD Level 5 or above (or equivalent)

Job description

Employee Relations Specialist

Reading

£45,000–£50,000

About the Client

Operating within the Retail sector, this well-established organisation is known for its collaborative and people-centred approach. With a sizeable UK presence, they cultivate a supportive atmosphere where mentorship and professional development are central to their mission.

About the Job

This is a key opportunity for an experienced Employee Relations professional to play a strategic role in ensuring fair, consistent, and commercially aligned HR practices. You’ll act as a trusted advisor to leaders and managers, supporting complex ER cases while also shaping policy and driving process improvements.

Duties will include:

• Providing timely, practical advice to managers and employees across a broad range of employee relations matters
• Coaching leaders to handle people issues with confidence and clarity
• Leading on complex cases such as grievances, performance management, restructures, and tribunal preparation
• Collaborating with HR and legal partners to align approaches with legislation and best practice
• Reviewing and improving policies to ensure they are inclusive, modern, and user-friendly
• Supporting the development of digital tools and process improvements for ER activity
• Using data to identify trends, inform decision-making, and shape training initiatives
• Contributing to broader people projects including organisational change and TUPE processes

About the Successful Applicant

You’ll have solid experience managing complex ER issues and a sound knowledge of UK employment law. Confident and approachable, you’ll be skilled in coaching stakeholders, communicating clearly, and balancing empathy with commercial awareness. CIPD Level 5 or above (or equivalent) is required.

What You Will Receive in Return

In return, you’ll join a people-first organisation that offers hybrid working, a supportive culture, and the chance to contribute to impactful HR change. You’ll benefit from opportunities for personal development, collaborative projects, and a team that values continuous improvement.

Get in touch now – [e-mail]