ER Expert

Oakleaf; West Yorkshire; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fashion brand is seeking an Employee Relations Manager to oversee complex employee relations cases and drive change initiatives. This role requires proven experience in employee relations and a strong understanding of UK employment law. You will work closely with senior leaders to provide expert advice and support in managing high-profile cases and developing ER frameworks across the organization, based in Leeds with a hybrid working model.

Benefits

Hybrid working model

Competitive salary

Work for an iconic brand

Qualifications

• Proven experience in employee relations management across multiple sectors.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices.
• Exceptional communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the resolution of complex and high-risk employee relations cases.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and HR Business Partners.
• Manage the design and delivery of ER-related change programmes.

Skills

Employee relations management

UK employment law knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Change management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Job description

I am proud to be partnering with Burberry who are seeking an ER Expert to join their busy team. This is a Leeds based role.

Employee Relations Manager – Complex Cases & Change Management

Leeds City Centre (Hybrid – 3 days per week in office)

Salary : Competitive

Purpose

The Employee Relations Manager – Complex Cases & Change Management will take the lead on managing high-risk and complex employee relations matters, acting as a trusted advisor to leaders and senior stakeholders. This role is critical in shaping and delivering Burberry’s ER strategy in alignment with their People Strategy and Burberry Forward. You will play a key role in driving change programmes, ensuring sensitive cases are managed effectively, and embedding strong ER frameworks across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Complex Case Management & Escalations

• – Lead the resolution of complex and high-risk employee relations cases (disciplinary, performance, conduct, and Burberry Confidential).
• – Provide expert risk assessment, mitigation strategies, and advice on employment law implications in collaboration with internal legal teams.
• – Ensure cases are managed in line with legal frameworks, Burberry policies, and commercial needs.
• – Take a lead role in high-profile investigations, delivering comprehensive reports and business recommendations to senior stakeholders.

Stakeholder Engagement

• – Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and HR Business Partners on sensitive ER matters.
• – Influence decision-making by delivering pragmatic, legally sound, and commercially focused advice.
• – Build strong partnerships with Employee Services, B : Managers Advisory Service, HRBPs, and Centres of Expertise.

Change Programme Delivery

• – Manage the design and delivery of ER-related change programmes, including restructures, consultations, and legislative updates.
• – Provide ER leadership on business transformation projects and organisational redesigns.
• – Support leaders through change with clear communication strategies, robust ER frameworks, and proactive risk management.
• – Analyse ER trends, identify systemic issues, and develop preventative strategies with HRBPs and COEs.
• – Contribute to policy development and lead initiatives to build line manager capability.

Skills & Experience

• – Proven experience in employee relations management, ideally across multiple sectors (manufacturing, corporate, and retail).
• – Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice; knowledge of wider EMEIA jurisdictions is advantageous.
• – Demonstrated success in managing and resolving complex, high-profile cases.
• – Exceptional communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
• – Proven ability to lead complex investigations with sensitivity and professionalism.
• – Experience supporting or leading large-scale organisational change or transformation programmes.
• – Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to balance legal, commercial, and operational considerations.
• – Resilient and confident in challenging and guiding leaders through complex risk scenarios.

Please apply if you the skills and experience this is a great opportunity to work for an iconic brand.