People & Culture Partner - ER, Payroll & Culture

Oak View Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak View Group in Manchester is seeking a people-generalist Business Partner focused on Employee Relations to coach managers, lead ER casework, and oversee payroll while contributing to performance, engagement, and inclusion initiatives.

You will partner with HR teams and stakeholders to ensure compliant, values-led people practices across a diverse workforce, supporting wellbeing and change programmes.

Qualifications

• Proven ER casework management in a fast-paced, high-volume environment (hospitality, events, or similar).
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Experience overseeing payroll function.
• Experience coaching and influencing managers on people issues.
• Experience working with both permanent and casual workforces.
• Exposure to engagement, wellbeing, or culture programmes.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build trust at all levels.
• Pragmatic, balanced, and solutions-oriented approach to employee relations.
• Strong organisation and time management skills; comfortable managing multiple cases and priorities.
• Emotionally intelligent, empathetic, and resilient in navigating sensitive situations.

Responsibilities

• Manage ER casework (conduct, performance, grievance, attendance, and capability) to ensure fair, timely outcomes.
• Act as trusted advisor and coach to line managers to handle people issues effectively.
• Oversee payroll accuracy, controls, deadlines and performance.
• Oversee pay frameworks, pay reviews, benefits, and incentive structures.
• Oversee or assist with investigations and hearings, ensuring policy compliance and employment law.
• Maintain accurate, confidential ER documentation and reporting.
• Monitor ER data and trends to identify root causes and interventions.
• Support ER policies, guidance, and toolkits development and communication.
• Contribute to ER upskilling through workshops and guidance materials for managers.
• Partner with CFG/MCFC and EVSL HR teams for policy alignment.
• Partner with leaders on performance expectations and strategies.
• Facilitate talent reviews, succession planning, and high-potential development.
• Monitor and advise on performance improvement plans (PIPs).
• Ensure employment practices comply with legal requirements and internal policies.
• Identify people-related risks and mitigate with leaders.
• Keep leaders informed of HR policy updates and implications.
• Support annual reward cycles and alignment to internal frameworks and budgets.
• Promote wellbeing programs and champion diversity and inclusion initiatives.
• Produce monthly/weekly reporting and identify improvement opportunities.
• Use HR metrics to identify trends and propose actions.
• Contribute to internal communications promoting connection and awareness.
• Translate data into strategic recommendations for the business.
• Support org restructures, role redesigns, and cultural change programmes.
• Work with local stakeholders including Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter, Manchester City Council, City Football Group and OVG.
• Manage relationships with external service providers including staffing agencies.
• Demonstrate passion for planet-friendly spaces and driving positive change.

Skills

ER casework management

UK employment law

Payroll oversight

Coaching managers

Engagement & wellbeing

Data analysis

Communication

Organisational skills

Diversity & inclusion

Flexibility for evenings/weekends

Education

CIPD Level 5 qualification

HR systems experience

Tools

HR systems

Job description

Oak View Group in Manchester is seeking a people-generalist Business Partner focused on Employee Relations to coach managers, lead ER casework, and oversee payroll while contributing to performance, engagement, and inclusion initiatives.

You will partner with HR teams and stakeholders to ensure compliant, values-led people practices across a diverse workforce, supporting wellbeing and change programmes.