Employee Relations Lead

The ER Lead will own holistic case management across GAIL’s, providing expert advice to Operations Managers, Bakery Managers, Support Office Managers and People Partners. You will also support or play an active role yourself in various ER processes. You will be instrumental in ensuring we maintain a fair, transparent, and legally compliant approach across all ER matters as well as improving the capability of the Operations Teams and Bakery Managers across GAIL’s to make better people-related decisions and work more independently as we grow to >300 bakeries.

Working closely with the 3 regionally aligned People Partners (London, North & South), you will agree robust and efficient ways of working, provide admin support, be a trusted confidant, ensure ER related letters and communication are sent correctly and on time, produce evidence packs, ensure investigative processes are through and robust, as well as provide training to line managers and our network of ER Champions across the UK.

WHAT YOU'LL DO Be the trusted ER expert for People Partners and managers, offering clear, commercial advice. Lead complex ER cases (grievances, disciplinaries, investigations, performance, sickness and conflict) from start to finish. Coach Chairs through formal hearings and ensure fair, consistent and legally sound outcomes. Own ER governance: trackers, monthly reporting, case documentation, policy consistency and letter sign-off. Manage ACAS and Employment Tribunal cases, working closely with our external solicitor.

Train and uplift manager capability through workshops, ER champions and ongoing coaching. Lead DSAR responses and support with data accuracy, compliance and record keeping. Drive improvements in policy, process and ways of working using insights from case trends. Partner with L&D, Talent, Payroll, People Services and Operations to ensure a joined-up, inclusive people experience. Champion our values, calling out poor behaviour and modelling excellence in how we treat people.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING Strong ER expertise and experience handling complex, high-risk cases confidently. Excellent judgment, communication, and the ability to balance risk with pragmatism. A coaching mindset and passion for developing manager capability. Ability to stay calm, fair and objective when dealing with sensitive issues. Strong organisation skills and a love for process, accuracy and great documentation. A visible, approachable style that builds trust across all levels.

BENEFITS BAKED IN Free food and drink when working 50% off food and drink when not working 33 days holiday Pension Scheme Discounts and Savings from high-street retailers and restaurants 24 hour GP service Cycle to work scheme Twice yearly pay review Development programmes for you to RISE with GAIL’s