Senior Employee Relations Advisor

Yolk Recruitment Ltd; Pontypridd; Hybrid; GBP 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading higher education provider is seeking a Senior Employee Relations Advisor in Pontypridd, Wales. In this full-time, permanent role, you will deliver expert guidance on complex ER matters, ensure compliance with legislation, and support a positive workplace culture. You should hold a Level 7 HR qualification or equivalent, and have significant experience managing complex casework. Strong communication and coaching skills are essential. Hybrid working options are available, and the role offers a competitive salary starting at £34,610 per annum.

Qualifications

• Significant experience managing complex ER casework.
• Strong knowledge of employment legislation and case law.
• Willingness to work towards CIPD membership.

Responsibilities

• Manage and support complex ER casework.
• Prepare for employment tribunal cases and liaise with legal advisers.
• Maintain and improve ER case management tools.
• Work with People Partners to ensure application of investigation outcomes.
• Facilitate informal resolution between managers and employees.

Skills

Expert advice on complex employee relations

Excellent communication skills

Relationship-building

Coaching skills

Prioritisation skills

Education

Level 7 HR qualification or equivalent experience

CIPD membership (or willingness to work towards it)

Job description

Senior Employee Relations Advisor

Permanent | Full Time (37.5 hours per week)
Starting salary: £34,610 per annum

Hours: 37.5 per week
Location: South Wales (Various sites Cardiff & Newport) Hybrid working available

We are working with a leading higher education provider who are seeking a skilled Senior Employee Relations Advisor to support the delivery of a proactive, fair, and consistent employee relations service. You will provide expert advice on complex casework, ensure compliance with employment legislation, and work closely with managers, trade unions, and key stakeholders across the institution. This role is central to promoting a positive, respectful, and inclusive workplace culture.

Job Purpose

• Provide expert advice on complex employee relations matters.
• Support consistent, fair and timely handling of ER cases including disciplinary, grievance, performance and absence.
• Promote early intervention, conflict prevention and positive working relationships.
• Contribute to policy development, training, and continuous improvement activity.
• Ensure compliance with current legislation and best practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and support complex ER casework, offering expert advice and coaching to managers.
• Support preparation for employment tribunal cases and liaise with legal advisers where needed.
• Maintain and improve ER case management tools, records and reporting.
• Work with People Partners to ensure consistent application of investigation outcomes and recommendations.
• Facilitate informal resolution between managers, employees and trade unions.
• Deliver training and awareness sessions on ER processes, respectful behaviours, and inclusive practice.
• Monitor developments in employment legislation and advise on implications.
• Support ER-related projects, including Occupational Health and Employee Assistance Programme contracts.
• Promote the organisation's values through fair, inclusive and consistent ER practice.

Essential criteria include:

• Level 7 HR qualification or equivalent experience
• CIPD membership (or willingness to work towards it)
• Significant experience managing complex ER casework
• Strong knowledge of employment legislation and case law
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, coaching and prioritisation skills

Desirable: Welsh language skills.

For further information about this opportunity, please contact Branwen Johns on 07458163873 and email a copy of your CV.

Interviews are to be held in early-mid January.