Employee Relations Manager

About the role

The Employee Relations Manager will lead the employee relations function across a multi‑campus university environment. You will ensure fair, consistent and legally sound outcomes while providing trusted advice to senior leaders, managers and people partners on high‑risk matters.

Key responsibilities

• Lead complex and high‑risk employee relations cases, including disciplinary, grievance, capability, redundancy, TUPE, collective consultation and tribunal matters.
• Apply UK employment law, internal policies and best practice to achieve defensible, values‑led outcomes.
• Provide oversight and act as an escalation point for sensitive employee relations issues.
• Coach People Partners and managers to build confidence and capability in handling employee relations matters.
• Develop, review and implement employee relations policies, procedures and guidance.
• Analyse ER data to identify trends, risks and opportunities for preventative action.
• Collaborate with senior leaders, trade unions and external advisers on organisational change projects.

Required profile

• Significant experience in a senior employee relations or specialist people role.
• Strong, up‑to‑date knowledge of UK employment law and employee relations practice.
• Proven ability to manage complex, high‑risk cases independently.
• Experience developing organisation‑wide policies, processes or frameworks.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills with senior stakeholders.
• A Level 5 qualification in Human Resources or equivalent professional experience.

Required skills

• Proficiency with HR systems.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills.
• Experience using management information and data analysis tools.