ER professional

Somerset Council; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave + bank holidays

LGPS pension

Flexible and hybrid working

Health and wellbeing support

Paid volunteering opportunities

Job summary

Somerset Council in Taunton is seeking an experienced employee relations professional to manage complex casework across a wide range of services. You will support managers through investigations, hearings and workplace challenges, providing practical, risk-based advice that protects the organisation and residents.

Based at County Hall, Taunton, you will join a collaborative team and work from the office at least two days a week, with flexibility for hybrid arrangements and onboarding support as

Qualifications

• Significant experience managing complex employee relations casework.
• Strong employment law knowledge and sound professional judgement.
• Confidence advising, influencing and constructively challenging managers.
• Experience supporting restructures, consultations and organisational change.
• TUPE knowledge and experience of Trade Union consultation and negotiation would be highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Managing a high caseload of complex employee relations cases including disciplinary, grievance, capability and attendance matters.
• Supporting and advising managers through investigations, formal hearings, appeals and workplace challenges.
• Advising on restructures.
• Supporting TUPE transfers, consultations and negotiations.
• Building manager capability through coaching, guidance and practical advice.

Skills

Employee relations

Employment law

Advising managers

TUPE

Restructures

Job description

This is a fantastic opportunity for an established ER professional who enjoys managing complex casework, building strong relationships with managers and Trade Unions, and providing practical, risk-based advice that makes a real difference. Working across one of the largest and most diverse organisations in Somerset, you'll support managers through a wide range of employee relations matters, helping us deliver excellent services and value for our residents. What makes this role particularly exciting is the breadth and variety of services we support. From social care and education to corporate and frontline services, you'll work with a diverse workforce operating under a range of terms and conditions, providing a unique and varied employee relations environment that offers both challenge and professional growth.

What you'll be doing

• Managing a high caseload of complex employee relations cases including disciplinary, grievance, capability and attendance matters.
• Supporting and advising managers through investigations, formal hearings, appeals and workplace challenges.
• Advising on restructures
• Supporting TUPE transfers, consultations and negotiations.
• Building manager capability through coaching, guidance and practical advice.

No two days are the same. You'll work on interesting and varied casework that has a direct impact on the services we provide to Somerset residents. You'll be part of a collaborative team that values expertise, and delivering high-quality support to managers across the Council.

The roles are based at County Hall, Taunton, and you will be expected to work from the office a minimum of two days per week and be available to attend face-to-face hearings and meetings. During your induction period, you will be required to attend County Hall more frequently to support your onboarding and training.

Requirements

• Significant experience managing complex employee relations casework.
• Strong employment law knowledge and sound professional judgement.
• Confidence advising, influencing and constructively challenging managers.
• Experience supporting restructures, consultations and organisational change.
• TUPE knowledge and experience of Trade Union consultation and negotiation would be highly desirable.

Benefits

• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.