Employee Relations (ER) Specialist

HR Business Partner – Hybrid role based in Milton Keynes/remote

PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on Employee Relations cases

Develop and implement effective employee relations culture that align with the company’s values.

Act as a champion for HR best practices, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the HR function.

Manage all highly complex and high-risk cases including; disciplinary, grievance, sickness absence, capability, appeals, whistleblowing, early reconciliation, settlement and tribunals.

MAIN ASSIGNMENTS:

Employee Relations Case Management

* Mediate and resolve employee disputes and grievances, ensuring fair and consistent application of company policies.

* Provide guidance and support to employees and managers on issues related to workplace behaviour, performance management, and disciplinary actions.

* Conduct thorough and impartial investigations into complaints and allegations of misconduct or policy violations.

* Supporting the Senior HR Business Partner on restructuring and redundancy projects including collective consultations.

* Provide senior management with risk assessments for all complex and high risk cases, detailing clear recommendations and options.

* Support and coach HR Advisors on the management of lower risk cases; ensuring all best practice principles are followed.

Policy Development

* Lead on the development of HR policies and procedures; ensuring in line with legislative requirements and best practice.

Line Management Training and Development

* Work with Learning and Development to develop and deliver training programs for managers and employees on topics such as conflict resolution, performance management, and company policies.

Reporting

* Generate and analyse reports on employee relations metrics, and provide insights and recommendations to senior management.

* Identify areas of proactive intervention required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Qualifications

* CIPD Level 5 (Level 7 preferred)

Essential Technical Skills:

* A strong functional leader with contemporary, best-in-class knowledge of all the core HR disciplines including Employee/ Industrial Relations, and Business partnering. Accordingly, established and implemented the necessary processes, policies and frameworks.

* Proven knowledge of UK Employment Law and able to apply it to strategic decision making.

* Experience of managing complex employee relations work

* Commercial acumen – can partner with the business to deliver commercially focussed people strategies.

* Demonstrable track record of establishing high performing HR functions and teams ensuring operational excellence and to support business needs.

* Private Equity-backed businesses would be preferable, it is not a pre-requisite

* Experience of the Energy industry, corporate development activities, including mergers, joint ventures, and alliances all would be a plus.

* Ability to read and understand HR Metrics and give them meaning and apply them to strategy

* Previous proven budgetary experience

* Experience in streamlining HR processes with best practice ensuring a good end user experience.

Non-Technical Skills:

* Able to empower and develop team members

* Understanding and experience of field based activity as well as office.

* Experience of supporting organisations through growth, integration and cultural transformation. A transformational outlook; someone who is not only comfortable with change, but naturally takes a lead in driving it.

* Strong communication and interpersonal skills balanced with a high level of confidence to persuade and influence.

* Comfortable acting as a coach, confidante and sounding board to Senior managers.

* Grounded, collaborative, and comfortable engaging at every level of an organisation.

* Rational, pragmatic and data driven.

Company benefits:

28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays

Enhanced Salary Sacrifice Pension Contributions

Life Assurance up to 6 X Base Salary*

Subsidised Health cover*

Subsidised Dental Cover*

Contribution towards Eye Tests and Glasses

In Office & Out of Office Social Events

Retailer Discounts Platform

Employee Assistance Program

Wellbeing Centre

Reward & Recognition

*length of service & T&Cs apply