Employee Relations Specialist

Automobile Association; Oldbury; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading motoring organisation as an Employee Relations Specialist, where you'll guide managers through complex employee relations issues and help build a culture of trust. This role involves managing a varied caseload, providing expert advice, and coaching leaders, all while working in a hybrid environment.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Worksave pension scheme with up to 7% employer contribution

Free AA breakdown membership from Day 1

Discounts on AA products

Employee discount scheme

Company funded life assurance

Diverse learning and development opportunities

Dedicated Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing varied ER caseload in a multi-site setting.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and best practices.
• Experience in coaching line managers on employee relations topics.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice on employee relations matters.
• Manage ACAS conciliations and Employment Tribunal cases.
• Deliver ER training and coaching to line managers.

Skills

Employee Relations

Employment Law

Negotiation

Coaching

Analytical Skills

Education

Relevant HR qualification

Job description

Job Title: Employee Relations Specialist
Contract: Full Time/ Permanent
Location: Oldbury (Hybrid Working - 3 office days per week)

Think the AA is just about roadside assistance? Think again.

For over a century, we've been evolving and adapting. Today, as the nation's leading motoring organisation, we offer a wide range of products and services to millions of customers. From roadside assistance to home and motor insurance, and the latest driving technologies, we have it all. As we continue to expand, diversify, and modernise, joining us as a Employee Relations Specialist means you'll play a crucial role in our success and be part of this exciting motoring journey. #LI-SJ1 / #LI-Hybrid

This is the job

As our Employee Relations (ER) Specialist, you’ll be the go-to expert for guiding managers through complex issues like conduct, discrimination, TUPE, and workplace immigration. You’ll coach leaders to handle challenges confidently and proactively, helping to build a culture of trust and accountability.

Working closely with HR Business Partners, you’ll analyse trends, resolve concerns early, and lead on all employee relations matters. If you bring a practical mindset, strong employment law knowledge, and a passion for people, this is your chance to make a real impact.

What will I be doing?

• Provide expert, solutions-focused advice on a wide range of employee relations (ER) matters.
• Support case management across business change, absence, disciplinary, grievance, capability, conduct, and flexible working.
• Lead complex sickness absence cases, including ill-health capability and occupational health referrals.
• Manage ACAS conciliations, COT3 settlements, and Employment Tribunal cases with external counsel.
• Guide leaders through investigations, hearings, and suspension decisions, ensuring policy adherence.
• Advise on protected and without prejudice conversations, including settlement agreements.
• Assess IR35 status for consultants using Personal Service Companies.
• Deliver ER training and coaching to line managers, keeping them up to date on legislation.
• Analyse ER trends and data to inform business decisions.
• Develop and maintain People Policies, Procedures, and supporting documents.
• Ensure accurate records for ER cases, conciliations, and tribunal activity.
• Stay current on employment law and share insights to drive continuous improvement.

What do I need?

Capability, Knowledge and Experience:

• Proven experience managing a varied ER caseload in a dynamic, multi-site setting.
• Strong working knowledge and practical application of UK employment law and best practices.
• Ability to work at pace, juggling multiple cases while providing clear, confident advice to line managers across a broad range of employment matters.
• Skilled in building relationships with Employee Representatives and Trade Unions, with experience working under Collective Bargaining Agreements.
• Comfortable challenging and influencing managers to ensure appropriate and fair outcomes in ER cases.
• Demonstrated success in negotiating settlements to resolve employment disputes effectively.
• Experience in coaching and upskilling line managers on a wide range of employee relations topics.

Education and Qualifications:

Additional information

Additional Information

We’re always looking to recognise and reward our employees for the work they do. As a valued member of The AA team, you’ll have access to a range of benefits including:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays + holiday buying scheme
• Worksave pension scheme with up to 7% employer contribution
• Free AA breakdown membership from Day 1 plus 50% discount for family and friends
• Discounts on AA products including car and home insurance
• Employee discount scheme that gives you access to a car salary sacrifice scheme plus great discounts on healthcare, shopping, holidays and more
• Company funded life assurance
• Diverse learning and development opportunities to support you to progress in your career
• Dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and a 24/7 remote GP service for you and your family

Plus, so much more!

We’re an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from everyone. The AA values diversity and the difference this brings to our culture and our customers. We actively seek people from diverse backgrounds to join us and become part of an inclusive company where you can be yourself, be empowered to be your best and feel like you truly belong. We have five communities to bring together people with shared characteristics and backgrounds and drive positive change.