Employee Relations Lead

Employee Relations Lead Business Area: HRPlace of Work:
Liverpool Contract Type:
Fixed Term Contract 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.

About the role

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.

What you will be doing

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

Employee Relations Case Management 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

Manager Coaching and Capability Building 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.

Horizon Scanning, Risk Management and Compliance 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

Policies, Processes & Governance Develop, review, and maintain ER related policies, procedures, templates and guidance materials

Provide clear and accessible guidance for HR and managers.

Data, Reporting and Systems 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.

HR Team Development and Knowledge Sharing 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

About youWe know that sometimes people can be put off applying for a job if they don't tick every box, if you're excited about working for us and have most of the skills or experience we're looking for, then please apply, regardless of whether you meet all the requirements outlined in this profile.

To be successful in the role you will have:

Strong knowledge of UK employment law and ER best practice

Proven experience managing complex ER casework end-to-end 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).Why join us?

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 want you to thrive in and out of work with a friendly team, flexible culture and excellent range of benefits!

How we will reward you Great starting salary

Generous annual leave package

Access to a high quality pension scheme provided through Universities Superannuation Scheme Supportive people policies (including enhanced occupational…