Employee Relations Manager

Join Kainos and Shape the Future At Kainos, we’re problem solvers, innovators, and collaborators - driven by a shared mission to create real impact. Whether we’re transforming digital services for millions, delivering cutting-edge Workday solutions, or pushing the boundaries of technology, we do it together.

We believe in a people-first culture, where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your contributions truly make a difference. Here, you’ll be part of a diverse, ambitious team that celebrates creativity and collaboration.

Ready to make your mark? Join us and be part of something bigger.

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS:

You will lead and develop Kainos’ Employee Relations team, helping to deliver a modern, consistent and employee-focused ER service. This is a manager-level role with responsibility for team capability, complex casework, service standards and continuous improvement.

Working closely with Senior Stakeholders and colleagues across the People Team, you will provide clear, practical guidance and help build confidence in addressing workplace issues fairly and effectively.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:

Lead, manage and develop the Employee Relations team, creating clarity on priorities and supporting colleagues to grow their capability and confidence.

Oversee the delivery of a consistent, responsive and high-quality Employee Relations service across Kainos.

Provide guidance and oversight on complex or sensitive employee relations matters, ensuring they are handled fairly, consistently and in line with relevant legislation and Kainos policies.

Partner with managers, People Partners and colleagues across the People Team to provide clear, practical and balanced advice.

Support managers to address workplace matters confidently, encouraging early and constructive resolution where appropriate.

Drive continuous improvement across Employee Relations services, identifying opportunities to enhance processes, ways of working and the overall employee and manager experience.

Lead and manage continuous improvement projects that strengthen Employee Relations capability, policy, reporting and service effectiveness.

Champion the use of technology, data and automation to simplify processes, improve insight and create a more scalable and efficient Employee Relations service.

Identify and implement innovative solutions that enhance employee and manager self-service.

Identify themes and learning from employee relations activity, using these insights to improve guidance, policies, processes and support.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Create a collaborative and supportive team environment with clear expectations, regular feedback and meaningful development opportunities.

Ensure complex casework is allocated and managed effectively, taking account of risk, complexity, colleague capability and team capacity.

Build trusted relationships with managers, People Partners and key stakeholders across the organisation.

Maintain consistent standards across case advice, investigations, documentation, outcomes and follow-up actions.

Lead Employee Relations projects and service improvements that strengthen employee experience and manager capability.

Keep up to date with relevant employment law and good practice, seeking specialist legal advice when appropriate.

Work collaboratively across the People Team, supporting wider team priorities where required.

MINIMUM (ESSENTIAL SKILLS) REQUIREMENTS:

Significant hands-on Employee Relations experience, including complex and sensitive casework.

Proven experience leading, managing and developing an Employee Relations, HR advisory or People team.

Experience advising senior leaders, including Executive and C-Suite stakeholders, using a balanced approach that combines sound judgement, risk assessment,…