Employee Relations Specialist

AkzoNobel; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the coatings industry is seeking an Employee Relations Specialist in Gateshead. This role is key to providing operational HR support, managing casework, and ensuring compliance with employment law. Ideal candidates will have strong HR experience and a collaborative mindset.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Company pension

Flexible benefits scheme

Employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Experience in delivering HR services with a focus on employee relations.
• Excellent knowledge of employment law and best practices.
• Ability to understand complex issues and suggest practical solutions.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational HR service to managers and employees.
• Oversee complex casework including disciplinary actions and grievances.
• Coach managers on employee relations and compliance issues.

Skills

Employee Relations

Communication

Problem Solving

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Degree in HR or related field

Job description

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Employee Relations Specialist

Date: May 28, 2025

Location: Gateshead, GB

Employee Relations Specialist

Felling, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear.

We encourage you to apply if you have relevant experience and expertise for this role, even if you don’t meet all the criteria listed in the job description.

We’ve been pioneering a world of possibilities to bring surfaces to life for well over 200 years. As experts in making coatings, there’s a good chance you’re only ever a few meters away from one of our products. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and have set our sights on becoming the global industry leader. It’s what you’d expect from the most sustainable paints company, which has been inventing the future for more than two centuries.

Job Purpose
You will provide a high quality day to day operational HR service to managers and employees across the AkzoNobel UK business. This will include supporting stakeholders with all aspects of employee relations as well as ensuring compliance with current employment law. You will oversee complex casework, including disciplinary actions, grievances, and performance management, to foster a positive and productive workplace environment.

Job Responsibilities

• Coach managers to make good business decisions by advising on issues from disciplinary & grievance to performance management & health.
• Draft and implement HR policies & procedures.
• Enable managers to manage people processes more independently, by developing a suite of manager guides/supporting documentation.
• Support line managers to effectively manage, lead & develop their teams.
• Collaborate with colleagues to proactively manage casework from initiation to resolution.
• Provide employee advice on workplace issues.
• Ensure effective communication & collaboration with Trade Unions.
• Recommend solutions to improve workplace culture & compliance.

Job Requirements

• Experience of delivering an HR service with a strong focus on employee relations & complex case management.
• Excellent working knowledge of employment law and best practice.
• Ability to challenge & coach line managers.
• Ability to understand complex issues & suggest practical/creative solutions.

What Makes You Stand Out

• Committed to a collaborative working environment where supporting colleagues is key.
• Strong attention to detail & able to manage multiple cases simultaneously.
• Strong communication, relationship building & interpersonal skills.
• Experience of working with Trade Unions would be an advantage.

What do we Offer at AkzoNobel

We offer great personal development opportunities and roles with breadth, depth of scope and impact. We also offer comprehensive packages including:

• Competitive Salary (depending on experience).
• 25 days holiday excluding bank holidays.
• Income protection.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Employee Life Assurance.
• Company pension.
• Flexible benefits scheme offering benefits including Gymflex, retail card, dental cover and more!

We have been inventing the future for more than two centuries and need people like you to be part of the team. Apply online via the link and we will get right back to you.

We are advocates of a healthy work life balance and mental wellbeing. We are happy to look at flexible working options for all our roles.

At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey, as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason, we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable. In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.

About AkzoNobel

Since 1792, we’ve been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people’s lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance the fabric of everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It’s what you’d expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that’s dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today – while creating an even better tomorrow. Let’s paint the future together.

At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey, as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable. In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.