ER Expert

Oakleaf Partnership; West Yorkshire; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fashion brand is seeking an Employee Relations Manager to oversee high-risk and complex employee relations matters. This hybrid role involves acting as a trusted advisor, managing investigations, and leading change programmes. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in employee relations management, strong knowledge of UK employment law, and exceptional communication skills. This is a unique opportunity to contribute significantly to an iconic brand's ER strategy while working in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing complex employee relations cases.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices.
• Demonstrated success in leading change and transformation programs.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Employee relations management

UK employment law

Excellent communication skills

Stakeholder management

Analytical and problem-solving 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.