Employee Relations Specialist

Teleperformance SE; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent customer service provider is looking for two Employee Relations Specialists to join their HRER team in Newcastle upon Tyne. This role involves providing expert advice on various employee relations matters and managing complex cases. Ideal candidates should have a strong background in UK employment law and the ability to influence managers effectively. The position offers an opportunity to shape employee relations across the organization and requires resilience, strong communication skills, and a focus on delivering results.

Qualifications

• Proven experience working in an Employee Relations or HR role, with exposure to complex casework.
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law.
• Confidence advising and influencing managers at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for managers on complex employee relations matters.
• Support and manage cases across the full ER spectrum.
• Assist with full Employment Tribunal activity.

Skills

Employee Relations experience

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

UK employment law knowledge

Education

CIPD qualification (or working towards)

Job description

We're seeking two Employee Relations Specialists to join our HRER team supporting the UK and Republic of Ireland. In this role, you'll be a trusted advisor on all employee relations matters, helping managers navigate complex situations with confidence. You'll combine commercial awareness with fairness, compliance, and a focus on creating a positive employee experience. This position offers exposure to a wide range of ER activities, including complex case management, organisational change programmes, and Employment Tribunal defence. You'll benefit from ongoing mentoring by an experienced ER Manager and collaborate closely with a leading employment law firm, giving you the opportunity to deepen your expertise and make a real impact.

Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for managers on complex employee relations matters, providing pragmatic, legally sound and best-in-class advice.
• Support and manage cases across the full ER spectrum, including disciplinary, grievance, absence, wellbeing, and performance-related issues.
• Assist with full Employment Tribunal activity, including ACAS/LRA early conciliation, ET3 responses, witness statements, evidence bundles, and preliminary hearing representation.
• Support the drafting and negotiation of settlement agreements.
• Contribute to organisational change programmes such as redeployment, redundancy, restructuring, harmonisation, and TUPE.
• Partner closely with HR Business Partners and key stakeholders across Operations, Workforce Management, Payroll, Recruitment, IT, Finance, and Legal.
• Maintain and review HR policies and the Employee Handbook to ensure alignment with UK and Republic of Ireland employment law and best practice.
• Use ER data and insights to identify trends, reduce risk, and continuously improve ways of working.
• Champion efficient, streamlined, and people-focused ER processes.
• Takes initiative and works independently with confidence.
• Demonstrates compassion and empathy in every interaction.
• Is driven to achieve results and deliver excellence.
• Possesses exceptional influencing and negotiation skills.
• Embodies our company values in everything they do.
• Thrives in a team environment and builds strong relationships.
• Shows resilience, focus, and adaptability under pressure.
• Has the courage to challenge constructively and make sound decisions.
• Communicates clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Manages time and priorities efficiently to meet deadlines.

Required Qualifications

• Proven experience working in an Employee Relations or HR role, with exposure to complex casework.
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law, including the Equality Act and Employment Rights Act (and any other relevant legislation relating to Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland).
• Confidence advising and influencing managers at all levels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

Experience Level (one of the following)

• 2+ years' ER specialist experience in a contact centre environment, or
• 3+ years' ER specialist experience in another fast‑paced industry, or
• 4+ years' HR generalist experience.

Desirable

• CIPD qualification (or working towards).
• Mediation training or accredited mediator status.
• Exposure to Employment Tribunal preparation or early conciliation activity.

Benefits

A chance to shape and influence how employee relations is delivered at scale across the organisation.