Employee Services - Employee Relations Specialist

QinetiQ Group plc; Farnborough; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence technology firm in Farnborough is seeking an Employee Services – Employer Relations Specialist. This role involves providing expert guidance on employee relations matters, supporting functional managers, and managing cases end-to-end. Candidates should have significant experience in complex ER cases, coaching skills, and a positive mindset to inspire teams. You will be on-site at least 3 days per week, and the position offers a collaborative environment that values continuous improvement.

Benefits

Matched contribution pension scheme

Competitive holiday allowance

Private Medical Insurance

Employee discount portal

Volunteering opportunities

Qualifications

• Significant experience of managing high volumes of complex ER cases at pace.
• Demonstrable experience of upskilling functional managers.
• Ability to prioritise and work well under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Deliver timely ER advice and guidance to empower functional managers.
• Coach and support functional managers to develop their ER capability.
• Work collaboratively with People Partners and Legal team on ER cases.

Skills

Problem solving

Conflict management

Negotiating skills

Influencing skills

Coaching and advisory skills

Education

CIPD Level 5 qualification or equivalent experience

Job description

Are you ready to be part of the future? At QinetiQ, we're not just imagining tomorrow we are creating it. From cutting‑edge defence technology to ground‑breaking innovations our mission is to empower and protect lives. Join us as an Employee Services – Employer Relations Specialist at our Boscombe Down, Amesbury site, where you will have the opportunity to work with cutting‑edge technology in partnership with some of the most brilliant minds. The Employee Relations Specialist is responsible for providing expert guidance and support on complex employee relations matters to ensure fair, consistent, and legally compliant outcomes. They will support functional managers across our UK sites by providing manager advice and guidance on complex ER cases. This role acts as a trusted advisor to managers and HR colleagues, delivering solutions that balance business objectives with employee well‑being. The ER Specialist will manage cases end‑to‑end, including investigations, disciplinary processes, grievances, and performance management issues, while promoting a positive workplace culture and minimising risk to the organisation. Additionally, the role contributes to continuous improvement by identifying trends, recommending policy updates, and supporting training initiatives to build ER capability across the business. Whilst skill and experience would be advantageous, the No1 requirement is to have high agency (can‑do mindset) and bring a positive energy to the work and team. You will want to make a real difference by inspiring and empowering managers to make positive improvements in culture and behaviour of their teams. It would be expected you would be on‑site at least 3 days per week and occasional travel to other UK sites may be required.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver timely ER advice and guidance to empower functional managers to proactively manage their ER cases, within an acceptable level of business risk
• Coach, support and upskill functional managers in order to develop ER capability within the company
• Work collaboratively with People Partners and Advisors and in‑house Legal team to resolve complex ER cases
• Identify trends in cases in order to design, deliver and implement upskilling sessions for functional managers
• Continually review our People Instructions, Toolkits and Knowledge Guides and put forward amendments or suggestions to ensure we remain up to date with legislative changes and best practice
• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date records of all actions and documentation relating to cases being managed through to conclusion
• Ensure the casework team mailbox is regularly reviewed and enquiries are responded to in a timely manner, usually within 24 hours
• Draw together and analyse different points of view to support coherent and succinct advice

Key Competencies & Experience

• Problem solving and conflict management coupled with the confidence to advise coherently and succinctly
• Good negotiating, persuading and influencing skills
• Ability to quickly build positive relations with managers and Global Employee Voice Representatives and, where appropriate, Trade Unions
• Assess employee relations risks and take appropriate steps, following our HR delegations process, to achieve resolution of cases within the legal framework
• Excellent coaching and advisory skills balanced with influencing and questioning techniques
• Verbal and written communication skills are essential coupled with a high level of attention to detail
• Ability to prioritise and work well under pressure
• Proven ability to contribute and work collaboratively as part of a team
• Drive to find ways to continuously improve and bring ideas to fruition, with a minimum of CIPD Level 5 qualification or equivalent experience
• Significant experience of managing high volumes of complex ER cases at pace
• Demonstrable experience of upskilling functional managers to improve knowledge, competence and confidence and mentoring of junior team members
• Experience of working in complex organisations or with complex technologies

As we continue to grow into new markets around the world, there's never been a more exciting time to join QinetiQ. The formula for success is our appetite for innovation and having the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges.

Benefits

• Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
• Competitive holiday allowance, with the option to purchase additional days
• Optional Health Cash Plan, Private Medical Insurance and Dental Insurance
• Employee discount portal: Personal Accident Insurance, Travel Insurance, Restaurants, Cinema Tickets and much more
• We support the Armed Forces community by honouring the Armed Forces Covenant and maintaining our Gold Award standard in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme
• Volunteering opportunities – helping charities and local community

As a QinetiQ employee, you'll experience a unique working environment where teams from different backgrounds, disciplines and experiences collaborate widely and openly as we undertake this exciting and rewarding journey. Through effective teamwork and pulling together, you'll get to experience what happens when we all share different perspectives, blend disciplines, and link technologies; constantly discovering new ways of solving complex problems in a diverse and inclusive environment where you can be authentic, feel valued and realise your full potential. Visit our website to read more about our diverse and inclusive workplace culture: www.qinetiq.com/en/careers/life-at-qinetiq. UKSV National Security Vetting Solution: guidance for applicants – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).