Senior Employee Relations Advisor

PHOENIX group - Integrated Healthcare Provider; Runcorn; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medicash plan

Flexible pay access

Retail discounts

Employee Assistance Programme

22 days annual leave

Job summary

PHOENIX group - Integrated Healthcare Provider in Runcorn, UK, is seeking a Senior Employee Relations Advisor to lead complex ER cases, advise managers, and support tribunal preparations. The role offers hybrid working with a focus on consistency, risk reduction and capability building across a large workforce.

The ideal candidate will have robust ER experience in high-volume settings, strong knowledge of UK employment law, and proven ability to influence at all levels.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in employee relations within a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Solid understanding of UK employment legislation and practical application.
• Experience handling conciliation processes and tribunal preparation.
• Strong communication and influencing skills at all levels.
• Discreet, professional handling of sensitive situations.

Responsibilities

• Lead on complex and sensitive employee relations cases, providing expert guidance to managers.
• Oversee a busy caseload covering disciplinary, grievance, performance, and absence matters.
• Support dispute resolution processes including early conciliation and mediation; assist with tribunal preparation.
• Develop line manager capability through coaching, advice and practical support.
• Partner with senior HR colleagues to shape ER approaches across the organisation.
• Review and enhance policies and processes to ensure they remain effective and compliant.
• Provide on-site support and training across UK locations as required.

Skills

Employee Relations

UK Employment Law

Conciliation & Tribunals

Influencing/Communication

Discretion & Professionalism

HR Systems & Office Suite

Tools

iTrent HRIS

MS Office

Job description

Job Title: Senior Employee Relations Advisor

Location: Runcorn, UK - Hybrid

Salary: Up to £45,000 (dependent on experience)

Working Hours: Monday–Friday, 09:00–17:15

We are seeking a confident and experienced Employee Relations Specialist to join our HR team, supporting a workforce of over 5,500 colleagues. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys navigating complex employee matters, working at pace, and influencing fair, pragmatic outcomes across a large and varied organisation.

The Role

As a key member of the HR function, you will take ownership of complex employee relations activity, providing clear, balanced advice that aligns with both legal requirements and business priorities. You will play an integral role in maintaining consistency, reducing risk, and strengthening management capability across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on complex and sensitive employee relations cases, offering expert guidance to managers and stakeholders
• Oversee a busy caseload covering disciplinary, grievance, performance, and absence matters
• Support dispute resolution processes including early conciliation and mediation, and assist with tribunal preparation
• Develop line manager capability through coaching, advice, and practical support
• Partner with senior HR colleagues and business leaders to shape and improve ER approaches
• Review and enhance policies and processes to ensure they remain effective and compliant
• Provide on-site support and deliver training across UK locations where required

About you

• Strong background in employee relations within a fast-paced, high-volume environment (retail or distribution experience advantageous)
• Solid understanding of UK employment legislation and its practical application
• Demonstrated experience handling conciliation processes and preparing for employment tribunals
• Skilled communicator with the ability to influence and build credibility at all levels
• Professional, discreet, and confident managing sensitive situations
• Comfortable using HR systems and Microsoft Office (experience with iTrent beneficial)

What’s in it for you

• Competitive salary up to £45,000
• 22 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), increasing with service
• Medicash plan to help with everyday healthcare costs
• Financial wellbeing support via flexible pay access tools
• Retail discounts and employee offers
• Employee Assistance Programme for additional support