Employee Relations Lead

When you join USS, the size and scale of our pension scheme means you will have numerous opportunities to learn and develop your career. Given our size you'll have real autonomy and influence as you collaborate closely with a wide-ranging team of experts.

Our office is a vibrant place to work, and we offer flexibility of office/homeworking due to our hybrid model.

In your role as Employee Relations Lead, you will make a meaningful and valued contribution from the outset. This role will provide a great opportunity to be responsible for leading the effective management of all employee relations matters across the organisation. The role partners closely with managers to build capability in handling informal and formal ER issues, balancing organisational risk with pragmatic, people-focused solutions.

The role also acts as a subject matter expert (SME) in ER processes, policies, and systems, including contributing to HRIS implementation and continuous improvement of ER frameworks, reporting, and governance.

As a trusted part of the HR team you will be responsible for:

• Lead the end-to-end management of all formal ER cases, including disciplinary, grievance, absence, performance
• Support the HRBPs with organisational change activity
• Support and coach managers to resolve issues at an early stage through informal approaches wherever appropriate

• Coach and guide managers on handling employee issues confidently and effectively, with an emphasis on early, informal resolution
• Build manager capability in applying policies, conducting investigations, and managing difficult conversations
• Provide practical, risk-balanced advice that aligns business needs with colleague wellbeing and engagement
• Support leadership and management development initiatives relating to ER and people management.

• Balance commercial, reputational and legal risk in all ER advice and decision making, escalating to the Head of HR Business Partnering, legal counsel and/or Compliance where required
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation, ACAS guidance, and regulatory frameworks
• Develop, review, and maintain ER related policies, procedures, templates and guidance materials
• Provide clear and accessible guidance for HR and managers.

• Establish and maintain robust ER case tracking and reporting mechanisms
• Analyse ER data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities
• Produce regular reporting and insights for HR leadership and the business
• Use data-driven insights to inform proactive interventions and organisational strategies
• Act as ER SME in the design and implementation of the HRIS, particularly ER case management modules
• Define system requirements, workflows, and reporting needs to support effective ER management.

• Ensure HRBPs are kept up to date with employee relations matters within their business areas
• Mentor and upskill HR Operations and wider HR teams in ER knowledge and best practice
• Provide training and guidance on ER processes, policies, and case handling

To be successful in the role you will have:

• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and ER best practice
• Experience advising within regulated environments (e.g., FCA)
• Excellent coaching and influencing skills
• Strong judgement and ability to balance risk with pragmatic solutions
• Analytical mindset with experience in reporting
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders effectively
• Clear, confident communication skills (written and verbal).

At USS, every individual contributes to building a secure financial future for our members and their families. We strive to create a work environment where everyone can thrive professionally while making a meaningful impact on the lives of others. We're also committed to helping you build your career by providing opportunities for development. We put a focus on recognising and supporting each individual's unique career path, driving this forward with the support of an engaged and proactive management team.

Here at USS, we…