HR Business Partner and Employee Relations Lead Job Manchester area,England UK,HR/Recruitment

At urbanbubble, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As we continue to grow, we're looking for an experienced HR Business Partner & Employee Relations Lead to help us create a positive colleague experience, strengthen leadership capability and ensure we manage people matters fairly, consistently and commercially.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a senior HR professional who combines deep employee relations expertise with a genuine passion for partnering with leaders to improve business performance.

You’ll work closely with managers across the business, helping them navigate complex people challenges, build confidence in managing their teams and use people insights to drive better outcomes for both colleagues and the business.

You’ll also lead a small team of People Advisors, providing coaching, guidance and development while ensuring high standards of service and support across the organisation.

This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 2 days per week in our Manchester city centre office.

As our HR Business Partner & Employee Relations Lead, you will:

Lead the employee relations approach across the business, ensuring cases are managed fairly, consistently and in line with employment law
Act as the senior escalation point for complex and high-risk employee relations matters, including disciplinary, grievance, absence, performance and conduct issues
Partner with managers and leaders to understand operational challenges and identify where people issues may be impacting performance, retention, engagement or absence
Use people data and trends to identify risks, tackle root causes and recommend practical solutions
Coach and support managers to develop their confidence and capability in handling people matters
Provide commercially focused advice that balances legal risk, colleague experience and operational requirements

Support organisational change projects, including restructures, consultations and TUPE activity
Lead and develop a team of People Advisors, providing technical guidance, case oversight, coaching and development
Review and improve policies, processes and guidance to ensure they remain legally compliant, practical and fit for purpose
Work closely with senior leaders and the Head of HR to provide insight on people risks and opportunities across the business

What we're looking for:

We're looking for someone who is technically strong, commercially minded and comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment.

You’ll bring:

Significant employee relations experience across a wide range of complex cases
Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
Experience partnering with operational leaders and influencing decision-making at management level
The ability to balance legal compliance with commercial pragmatism
Strong analytical skills and confidence using people data to identify trends and opportunities
Experience coaching managers and building leadership capability
Previous experience managing, mentoring or developing HR Advisors or People Advisors
Excellent written communication skills and attention to detail
The confidence to challenge constructively and influence outcomes
A calm, resilient and solutions-focused approach
Experience with tribunals, organisational change, restructures or TUPE would be advantageous
A CIPD qualification is welcomed, but we're equally interested in candidates with strong practical experience and a proven track record in employee relations and business partnering

And here’s what we offer:

We're passionate about our people & making sure that you have everything you need for your health, wellbeing & personal growth. After all, it's not just about what you do here - it's about being part of a company that truly cares & supports you!

Here's a little glimpse into our bubble benefits;

Birthday day off, monthly paid wellbeing hour & enhanced annual leave (27 days plus bank holidays) to make sure you get the rest you need
Company pension scheme & medical Cover for your long-term health & to help plan for the future
Refer a friend scheme to earn that bit of extra money by bringing incredible talent on board
Paid volunteering day & social events to give back to causes that…