HR Manager - Employee Relations (Case Coaching)

BAE Systems; Barrow-in-Furness; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor in Barrow-in-Furness seeks an HR Manager to lead a team of case advisors in employee relations and case coaching. The role involves providing expert guidance on grievances and performance management while ensuring compliance with employment law. Candidates should possess a relevant HR degree and have proven skills in stakeholder relationship management. A competitive salary package and numerous employee benefits are offered.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Employee share plans

Flexible discounted health and wellbeing benefits

Green car scheme

Private health plans

Shopping discounts

Annual incentive eligibility

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in managing HR cases and risk mitigation.
• Strong understanding of Case Management policies and processes.
• Ability to draw actionable insights from data analytics.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of case advisors.
• Provide coaching on employee relations and performance management.
• Drive continuous improvement in service delivery.

Skills

Employee Relations expertise

Case Management knowledge

Understanding of employment law

Stakeholder relationship management

Education

HR degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Job Title: HR Manager - Employee Relations/Case Coaching

Location: Barrow-In-Furness. Onsite

Salary: From £60,500, plus executive car allowance of £6,120 (per annum) depending on skills and experience plus bonus on top

What you’ll be doing:

• Leading, managing, and developing an on‑site team of around 25 case advisors while serving as the key contact for senior stakeholders across Local, Sector, and Group activities, providing visible leadership essential due to the nature of the business
• Providing expert coaching and advice in issues such as employee relations, performance management, discipline, grievance and long-term sickness, to the team as well as wider stakeholders where required
• Driving continuous improvement by identifying and managing opportunities to enhance service delivery and efficiency within the framework of collectively bargained agreements
• Ensuring the team is supported and delivering a high quality and effective service while managing difficult and conflicting priorities, utilising data analytics to support & spot trends
• Overseeing complex case assessments, planning and management to deliver targeted outcomes
• Building & Maintaining strong relationships with local leadership, external senior stakeholders, and trade union representatives

Your skills and experiences:

• HR degree and/or equivalent by experience with proven expertise in Employee Relations (ER) and Case Management, underpinned by deep working knowledge of Case Management policies and processes and their contribution to overall business value
• A strong understanding of employment law will be required
• Experience in managing complex ER cases and risk mitigation, supporting a values led culture
• Proven expertise in leading a large team of Case Management Advisors/Associates
• Proven ability to build, maintain, and manage effective stakeholder relationships, including senior leaders, Trade Unions, and Employee Representative Groups
• Competent in interpreting Case Management data to draw out actionable insights that create value for the HR Teams and Businesses.

Desirable:

• Experience with drug and alcohol testing

Benefits:

As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers employee share plans, an extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts - you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.

The Case Coaching team:

At BAE Submarines in Barrow-in-Furness, we don’t just build the UK’s nuclear-powered submarine fleet, we build futures. With a workforce of around 16,000 people, our HR team is at the heart of driving excellence, supporting talent, and maintaining the high standards that underpin national security. Being part of the Barrow team means contributing to something bigger: strengthening the UK’s defence, powering the town’s economy, and sharing in the pride of Barrow’s recent recognition as the Royal Port. We offer relocation support packages across all Submarines roles, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.

Why BAE Systems?

This is a place where you’ll be able to a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 8th January 2026