ER Manager – Complex Cases and Change Management

Oakleaf Partnership; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading luxury brand is seeking an Employee Relations Manager in Leeds to lead complex employee relations matters. The role involves managing high-risk cases, advising senior leaders, and delivering on ER-related change programs. Candidates should have strong knowledge of UK employment law and proven experience in employee relations management. This position requires excellent communication and analytical skills and offers a hybrid work model.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing employee relations across multiple sectors.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR practices.
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead resolution of complex employee relations cases.
• Provide expert advice on legal implications.
• Manage ER-related change programmes.

Skills

Employee relations management

UK employment law

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Change management

Resilience

Job description

Overview

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

Role Details

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.