Employee Relations Specialist

Eyzon; Watford; On-site; GBP 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A multi-site retail organisation in Watford is seeking an Employee Relations Specialist to provide guidance and support on complex employee relations matters. In this full-time, permanent role, you will partner with line managers, coach them on handling people issues, and ensure compliance with UK employment law. Offering a competitive salary of around £45,000 per annum plus benefits, this position is crucial for enhancing the capabilities within the HR team overseeing employee relations.

Qualifications

• Must have experience in a fast-paced work environment like retail or manufacturing.
• Ability to manage complex employee relations cases effectively.
• Understanding of HR best practices and UK employment laws.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice on employee relations casework.
• Partner with managers to build their capability in ER matters.
• Lead or support investigations and hearings as needed.
• Report on ER trends to help manage people risk.

Skills

Strong background in employee relations within retail or manufacturing

Proven experience with line managers on ER cases

Solid understanding of UK employment law

Solutions-focused communication

Job description

Employee Relations Specialist, Watford

£45,000

We are looking for an engaging and proactive Employee Relations Specialist to join a multi-site retail organisation based in Watford.

Reporting to the Employee Relations Manager, you will play a key role in supporting managers across the business with a broad range of ER matters — including disciplinaries, grievances, performance, and absence management. You’ll coach and mentor line managers to help them navigate people issues confidently, professionally, and in line with policy and agreed timescales.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert, timely advice on ER casework, ensuring consistency with policy and UK employment law.
• Partner with line managers to develop their capability and confidence in handling people matters.
• Support or lead investigations, hearings, and appeals when required.
• Monitor, track, and report on ER trends to help the wider HR team proactively manage people risk.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of ER policies, processes, and training.
• Support the development of ER Advisors by giving them exposure to more complex casework.

Skills & Experience

• Strong background in employee relations within retail, manufacturing, or another fast-paced environment.
• Proven experience working closely with line managers on complex ER cases.
• Solid understanding of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• A confident, solutions-focused communicator who remains calm under pressure.
• Comfortable working on-site 4 days per week (1 day flexible).

This is a permanent, full-time role based in Watford, offering c. £45,000 per annum plus package.

If you are interested in this position please apply now!