Employee Relations Manager – Northern England (Hybrid)

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Employee Relations Manager to lead the ER agenda for a large, multi‑site organisation across the UK and Ireland. Reporting to the HR Director, you will shape strategy, manage union relationships and guide a team of ER Advisors.

Key responsibilities

• Lead relationships with recognised trade unions and employee representatives.
• Manage national collective bargaining and support local negotiations.
• Develop and deliver the employee relations strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Provide expert guidance to senior leaders on complex ER matters.
• Support organisational change, consultation and transformation activities.
• Coach, develop and lead a team of Employee Relations Advisors.
• Ensure policies, processes and agreements remain compliant and effective.
• Build trusted relationships across operational and leadership teams.

Required profile

• Significant employee relations experience in a unionised environment.
• Proven experience of collective bargaining and trade‑union negotiations.
• Strategic thinking about commercial impact of industrial relations.
• Strong stakeholder management across operational businesses.
• Previous leadership experience managing ER or HR teams.
• In‑depth knowledge of UK employment legislation and best practice.
• Experience in logistics, distribution, manufacturing, transport, retail or utilities is valuable.

Required skills

What we offer

• £65,000 per year salary.
• Car allowance.
• Performance bonus.
• Excellent benefits package.
• Hybrid working model.