Employee Relations Specialist

Rowlands Pharmacy; Runcorn; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medicash plan

Flexible pay access tools

Retail discounts and employee offers

Employee Assistance Programme

Contributory pension scheme

Job summary

Rowlands Pharmacy is seeking an experienced Employee Relations Specialist to own complex ER activity across a 5,500+ workforce. You will guide managers through disciplinary, grievance, and absence matters while ensuring legal compliance and pragmatic outcomes.

You will influence management capabilities, partner with senior HR colleagues, and help shape ER policies. This role includes on-site training across UK locations and a focus on reducing risk in a fast-paced retail environment.

Qualifications

• Experience leading complex employee relations cases.
• Knowledge of UK employment legislation and practical application.
• CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent experience).
• Experience handling conciliation processes and tribunal preparation.
• Strong communication and influencing skills.
• Discretion when managing sensitive situations.

Responsibilities

• Lead on complex and sensitive employee relations cases, offering guidance to managers.
• Oversee a busy caseload including disciplinary, grievance, performance and absence matters.
• Support dispute resolution processes including early conciliation and tribunal preparation.
• Develop line manager capability through coaching and practical support.
• Partner with senior HR colleagues to shape ER approaches.
• Review and enhance ER policies and processes for compliance.
• Provide on-site support and deliver training across UK locations.

Skills

Employee relations

UK employment law

Stakeholder influence

Discretion & confidentiality

HR systems

Microsoft Office

Tribunal preparation

Education

CIPD Level 5

Tools

iTrent

Microsoft Office

Job description

As a key member of the HR function, you will take ownership of complex employee relations activity, providing clear, balanced advice that aligns with both legal requirements and business priorities. You will play an integral role in maintaining consistency, reducing risk, and strengthening management capability across the organisation.,

• Lead on complex and sensitive employee relations cases, offering expert guidance to managers and stakeholders
• Oversee a busy caseload covering disciplinary, grievance, performance, and absence matters
• Support dispute resolution processes including early conciliation and mediation, and assist with tribunal preparation
• Develop line manager capability through coaching, advice, and practical support
• Partner with senior HR colleagues and business leaders to shape and improve ER approaches
• Review and enhance policies and processes to ensure they remain effective and compliant
• Provide on-site support and deliver training across UK locations where required

We are seeking a confident and experienced Employee Relations Specialist to join our HR team, supporting a workforce of over 5,500 colleagues. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys navigating complex employee matters, working at pace, and influencing fair, pragmatic outcomes across a large and varied organisation.,

• Strong background in employee relations within a fast-paced, high-volume environment (retail or distribution experience advantageous)
• Solid understanding of UK employment legislation and its practical application
• CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent experience)
• Demonstrated experience handling conciliation processes and preparing for employment tribunals
• Skilled communicator with the ability to influence and build credibility at all levels
• Professional, discreet, and confident managing sensitive situations
• Comfortable using HR systems and Microsoft Office (experience with iTrent beneficial)

• Competitive salary up to £45,000
• 22 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), increasing with service
• Medicash plan to help with everyday healthcare costs
• Financial wellbeing support via flexible pay access tools
• Retail discounts and employee offers
• Employee Assistance Programme for additional support
• Contributory pension scheme