Employee Relations Specialist

AQA; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 46,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

AQA seeks an Employee Relations Specialist to influence employee experiences and drive strategic people initiatives. This hybrid role involves managing complex ER cases and collaborating closely with managers. The successful candidate will exhibit deep ER expertise, strong employment law knowledge, and excellent stakeholder management skills, all while supporting a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Benefits

Flexible work environment

Enhanced contributory pension scheme

25 days annual leave increasing with service

Qualifications

• Deep ER expertise and strong employment law knowledge.
• Proven ability to manage sensitive ER cases with discretion.
• Experience working with unions or employee forums would be beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex employee relations cases and guide managers.
• Shape company policies and provide training for team members.
• Oversee employment tribunal cases and legal compliance.

Skills

Employee Relations expertise

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Education

MCIPD or equivalent experience

Job description

At AQA, we’re committed to advancing education and we’re committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK , we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and it’s our people who make this happen.

Employee Relations Specialist

FTC: 4th August 2025 – 5th October 2026 (this may be extended)

Manchester: £46,358 - £53,980

Smart Hybrid Working – 2 days a week in the office

Can you shape a workplace where people thrive?
Imagine influencing the employee experience at a national education charity by guiding leaders through complex employee relations with confidence and empathy. At AQA, we’re looking for an Employee Relations Specialist who combines expert knowledge with a pragmatic approach to deliver fair, consistent, and values-led outcomes. If you thrive on problem-solving and empowering others—this role is for you.

Make a meaningful impact, every day.
At AQA, we don’t just handle employee relations—we influence culture, enhance management capability, and ensure our people are treated fairly and consistently. As an ER Specialist, you’ll support high-stakes, complex ER matters while coaching managers, refining policy, and shaping a healthy ER climate. Join a collaborative, purpose-led People Group that supports over 1,000 employees with compassion and professionalism.

What’s in it for you?

• Enjoy a flexible work environment with a 35-hour week and extensive opportunities for professional and personal development.
• Access to an enhanced contributory pension scheme which could you see you paying in 7% and AQA contributing 11.5% (Other options are available)
• Receive 25 days of annual leave, increasing to 30 days with service, plus bank holidays and additional Christmas office closure.

What you’ll be doing and what you’ll need to succeed:
You’ll work closely with managers, legal partners, and employee reps to solve complex ER challenges, manage Employment Tribunal cases, and help shape policy and training. Your knowledge of UK employment law and passion for delivering fair outcomes will shine in this fast-paced, values-driven environment.

You’ll need to bring:

• Deep ER expertise and strong employment law knowledge
• MCIPD or equivalent experience
• Proven ability to manage sensitive ER cases with discretion and confidence
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Experience working with unions or employee forums would be beneficial

How do I apply?

Click the apply link on our careers site and submit your CV along with a covering letter that includes an example of the most complex employee relations case you have managed. This should highlight your approach, the outcome, and how you balanced risk, values, and business needs. We look forward to hearing from you!

Closing date for applications will be Thursday 12th June. First stage interviews will be held by MS Teams on Wednesday 18th June. Second stage interviews will be F2F at our Manchester office on Tuesday 24th June.

AQA is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone—regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background—is valued, respected, and supported to thrive.

Recruitment Agencies

We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place.

Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees.

Full Job Description

Summary

Purpose:
The Employee Relations (ER) Specialist plays a key role in shaping a positive employee experience at AQA by delivering strategic people initiatives and practices. This role balances best practice with commercial pragmatism to mitigate legislative and reputational risks. The ER Specialist provides expert guidance to enhance people management capabilities, oversees all ER cases - including Employment Tribunals -and partners with managers, People Group colleagues, and employee representatives to foster a healthy ER climate aligned with AQA’s values and culture.Landscape:
There are two ER Specialists roles providing high quality expert guidance to People Group colleagues, managers and colleagues across the business regarding complex ER matters. The roles sits within People Partnering and Employee Relations department (22 colleagues). The department provides a range of services including: business area strategic support, diagnosis, consultancy and delivery of people-related services and projects; subject matter expertise in diversity and inclusion and employee relations; HR policy development and associated training development; operational support with people queries; and joiners, movers and leavers administration and checks.

Activities:

Coach and train People Advisers regarding ER matters to build knowledge and confidence.
Share employment law updates with People Partners and stakeholders to ensure legal compliance.
Maintain and update People Group policies and toolkits to ensure legal accuracy, accessibility and inclusivity. Create template letters in line with business requirements.
Collaborate with Learning & Development to design and deliver ER-related training for managers and colleagues.
Provide expert coaching on complex ER cases, offering risk-based options aligned with AQA’s values.
Coach, develop and empower managers to handle ER cases confidently and competently.
Oversee all ER cases, ensuring consistency, transparency, and a balanced approach between good practice and commercial needs.
Manage Early Conciliation and Employment Tribunal cases, in partnership with external solicitors.
Maintain effective relationships with third party suppliers, such as Occupational Health and Group Income Protection.
Build strong working relationships with business leaders, Trade Union, and Employee Forum representatives to gain valuable insight into ER and culture matters. Attend joint meetings as needed.
Proactively monitor and analyse ER data to identify trends, provide insights and recommend solutions.
Ensure all ER cases are accurately recorded and efficiently managed within the People Service Desk system.
Take ownership of specific projects or initiatives, ensuring timely and effective delivery.
Demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development and lifelong learning.
Take responsibility for your own continuous professional development to meet existing and future business needs.
Comply with all AQA’s policies and other legislative requirements, including but not limited to Health, Safety and the Environment, Diversity and Inclusion and Information Security Management System.
Travel to other AQA sites, occasionally necessitating overnight stays, as the need arises.


To be successful in this role, you will need to know:

Deep expertise in ER, with significant experience advising on complex ER issues.
Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and its practical application.
MCIPD qualified or other evidenced relevant experience
Proven ability to develop and implement effective people policies and guidance.
Experience managing ER cases with minimal precedent, using sound judgment and pragmatism.
Ability to balance individual and organisational needs while delivering timely, effective outcomes.
Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build credibility and trust quickly.
Collaborative mindset and willingness to support across People Group
Adaptability in communication and coaching style to suit different audiences.
Proficiency in analysing ER data to inform decision-making and identify trends.
Experience working with trade unions or employee forums in a collaborative and constructive manner.
High level of discretion, professionalism and emotional intelligence.
Commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.