ER & HR Manager

Lanes Group; Leeds; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utilities provider located in England is seeking an ER and HR Support Manager to lead HR operations and employee relations. The role involves overseeing HR administration, supporting managers and employees, and managing complex ER cases. A professional HR qualification is preferred along with extensive HR experience. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills and the ability to foster an inclusive workplace culture. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to a successful and dynamic team.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in HR, preferably in a complex or fast-paced environment.
• Proven success in managing and developing HR teams.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong executive relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational HR support to the Group including all HR administration.
• Provide senior oversight to the HR Support team.
• Lead on complex employee relations cases and manage ET claims.

Skills

Strong commercial acumen and ability to balance people priorities with business needs

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities

Strong understanding of employment law and HR best practices

Ability to foster a culture of inclusivity

Comfortable working with complex data

Education

Professional HR qualification (e.g., CIPD or equivalent)

Job description

Lanes Group is a leading nationwide utility services provider with over 3,500 dedicated employees. Our diverse subsidiaries drive our success across various sectors, contributing to a remarkable turnover of over £500 million. We are committed to excellence and innovation, ensuring we provide industry leading services to our clients and stakeholders. Join us to be part of a dynamic and growing team that values diversity and fosters professional growth.

Purpose of the role:

As the ER and HR Support Manager, you will lead the operational HR support to the Group including all HR administration and onboarding, first line HR support for Managers and Employees, and Employee Relations case management.

Key Responsibilities:

HR Support:

• Provide senior oversight and operational leadership to the HR Support team.
• Support the Team Leader in managing day-to-day service delivery, ensuring high-quality, timely, and consistent HR support to the Group.
• Monitor service performance metrics and continuously improve processes to enhance efficiency and employee satisfaction.
• Ensure compliance with data protection and employment legislation in all shared service activities.
• Work effectively with Payroll to ensure a seamless process for starters, leavers and contractual changes.
• Collaborate with other HR functions to ensure seamless service delivery and alignment with broader HR strategy.
• Ensure all People data is maintained effectively and accurately

Employee Relations:

• Lead the ER support for the Group and line manage two ER Advisors
• Lead on complex employee relations cases including disciplinaries, grievances, performance management, and absence management.
• Lead on any Employment Tribunal claims.
• Provide expert guidance to managers and HR colleagues on ER matters, ensuring consistency and legal compliance.
• Develop and maintain ER policies and procedures in line with current legislation and best practice.
• Ensure the right processes are in place between HR Support, ER and the People Partner team to manage all ER related matters effectively.
• Build capability across the business through training and coaching on ER topics.
• Partner with legal advisors when necessary to manage risk and resolve sensitive issues.
• Analyse data to identify trends in ER activity and develop and implement appropriate solutions to address any issues.

Qualifications/Training

• Professional HR qualification (e.g., CIPD or equivalent) strongly preferred.

Experience

• Extensive experience in HR, preferably within a complex or fast-paced environment.
• Proven success in managing and developing HR teams.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong executive relationships and influence at ExCo level.
• Proven background in leading a shared services HR team in a fast paced, high volume environment
• Experience in large-scale change management, TUPE, M&A activity.
• Experience managing highly complex ER issues including managing ET cases end to end.
• Strong background in development of HR processes and procedures

Skills

• Strong commercial acumen and ability to balance people priorities with business needs.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Strong understanding of employment law, regulatory requirements, and HR best practices.
• Ability to foster a culture of inclusivity, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Comfortable working with and analysing complex data to identify trends and issues.

Living the Company Values:

By embedding our companies core values and purpose into each role, ensures that every employee, regardless of their role or level, understands how their individual development and contributions align with our purpose of ‘improving today for a better tomorrow’.

Each role and value has an alignment to set proficiency levels and expectations, this role holder is expected to:

• Leading: "Drives operational excellence by setting clear standards, motivating the team, and ensuring service delivery aligns with business priorities."
• Agile: "Responds swiftly to changing demands, optimizing processes and resources to maintain efficiency and quality."
• Nurturing: "Develops team capability through coaching and support, fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement."
• Engaging: "Creates a positive service experience by building strong internal relationships and promoting collaboration across functions."
• Safe & Secure: "Maintains compliance and data integrity, ensuring all processes safeguard employee information and organizational trust."