Employee Relations Manager

About the role

We are partnering with an Oxfordshire‑based organisation to recruit an experienced Employee Relations Manager to join its HR Services team. The role is senior, operationally focused and offers flexibility, with predominantly remote work and a few days on‑site each month.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the full Employee Relations function and act as the escalation point for complex cases and employment risk.
• Manage, coach and develop a team of four within a broader HR Services model.
• Own ER policy development, guidance, process improvement and manager support.
• Drive organisational change, design and restructure activities, including consultation and implementation.
• Negotiate with trade unions and support senior leaders through sensitive people matters.
• Oversee service management, including contracts, budgets and supplier performance.
• Support job evaluation activity to ensure fair, consistent and legally sound outcomes.

Required profile

• Strong ER leadership experience in a complex or unionised environment.
• Proven ability to lead a team and manage the full ER service/function.
• Confidence advising senior leaders on complex casework, restructuring, organisational change and policy.
• Practical, credible and solutions‑focused style with strong influencing skills.