Employee Relations Manager

About the role...

Are you an employee relations specialist looking to shape, strengthen and embed strategy in a dynamic environment?

We’re looking for an Employee Relations Manager to join us on an FTC basis until June 2027. Working closely with the People Business Partners,Centresof Excellence and senior leaders, you’ll provide expert guidance, lead on complex and high-risk ER activity, and help drive a consistent,proactive and commercially balanced ER service across CP.

As an Employee Relations Manager you’ll bring strong technical ER expertise, confidence in managing complex employee relations matters, and the ability to coach and influence managers at all levels.

We’re seeking someone who can hit the ground running,provide credible advice from day one, mentor and line manage others in the team, and help build ER capability across CP.

A key part of the role will be toidentifyrisk, build manager capability, develop practical ER frameworks, use data to spot themes and improvements, and ensure our approachremainsaligned to CP’s culture,valuesand employment obligations.

This is an extremely varied role with a broad remit, with responsibilities including;

Employee Relations
:

• Act as a senior point of contact for managers and leaders,providing expert advice on complex ER matters including grievances, disciplinaries, performance, sickness absence, capability, restructures, visa-relatedconsiderationsand sensitive workplace issues.

• Lead and oversee investigations into complaints, workplace incidentsor breaches of policy, ensuring fair, thorough, legallyrobustandtimelyoutcomes.

• Provide clear advice and guidance on ER outcomes, sanctions and risk mitigation, ensuring CP meets its obligations as an employer.

• Work with our Occupational health provider or other specialist support providers when needed.
  
  Work with our internal teams to understand workplace needs assessments and reasonable adjustment plans.

• Analyse trends in employee relations,identify root causes and recommend proactive interventions that improve manager capability, reduceriskand support a positive colleague experience.

• Advise and support in any acquisitions and the required processin accordance with legislation.

Manager Training and Development:

• Design, develop and deliver practical ER training for managers and leaders, building capability in effective employee relations practice, conflict resolution, difficultconversationsand HR compliance.

• Coach, challenge and guide managers to ensure they handle difficult conversations, performance reviews, disciplinaryprocessesand other ER activity confidently,consistently and empathetically.

• Regularly update training materials to reflect any changes in HR policies or legal requirements.

Policy& Process Updates:

• Monitor employment legislation, case law, regulatoryupdatesand best practice, translating changes into clear practical guidance for the People Team, HRBPs and managers.

• Lead on the review and improvement of ER policies, procedures, templates and training materials, ensuring they are clear, compliant,consistent and easy for managers to use.

Communication& Relationships:

• Build strong relationships with
  
  PeopleBPs, senior leaders and managers across service lines, ensuring they are regularly updated on cases, themes,risksand recommended actions.

• Work closely with thePeopleBP’sto ensure ER outcomes are applied consistently across all service lines.

• Lead and/or support ER-related projects and initiatives, working collaboratively with People specialisms,PeopleBPs and external advisors to deliver high-quality outcomes.

• Mentor, support and line manage others in the ER team,providing day-to-day guidance, case coaching, qualityassuranceand development support to build capability and confidence.

• Work closely with our employment law…