ER Manager - Complex Cases and Change Management

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

Job summary

A leading fashion house in Leeds is seeking an Employee Relations Manager to manage complex employee relations cases and deliver change programmes. The role requires strong stakeholder engagement and expertise in UK employment law. This position offers a hybrid work arrangement with three days in the office. Join an iconic brand to advance your career in employee relations.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in employee relations management across sectors.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices.
• Experience leading and managing complex investigations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the resolution of complex employee relations cases.
• Provide expert risk assessment and advice on employment law.
• Manage ER-related change programmes and support leaders.

Skills

Employee relations management

UK employment law

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

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.

Employee Relations Manager - Complex Cases & Change Management

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

Salary: Competitive

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.