Employee Relations Specialist

At CVS Veterinary Group, our purpose is to provide the best possible care to animals.

Our vision is to be the veterinary company people most want to work for.

We are an international integrated veterinary services provider which delivers to clients through four business areas; our veterinary practices, diagnostic laboratories and e-commerce division. Our success is derived from the passion our people have for animals and for making pets a priority, it's what is at the heart of our work, every day.

This is an exciting opportunity for an ER professional who thrives on complex casework, organisational change and stakeholder engagement. You'll play a key role in delivering employee relations expertise, supporting business transformation projects, and leading on consultation and TUPE activity across the Group.

Reporting to the Senior HR Business Partner (ER & Change), you'll provide expert guidance and support on a broad range of employee relations matters while partnering with leaders across the business to successfully deliver organisational change initiatives.

You'll manage a varied portfolio of complex ER cases and work closely with business leaders to ensure compliance, minimise risk and achieve positive colleague outcomes.

This is a home-based role, with some travel to CVS sites.

• Manage a diverse and complex employee relations caseload, including disciplinary, grievance, capability, absence management and whistleblowing matters.
• Lead and support organisational change projects, restructures, redundancies, collective consultations and operational transformation initiatives.
• Take ownership of TUPE processes and support acquisitions and integrations across the business.
• Provide practical and commercially focused advice on employment law and ER best practice.
• Support Employment Tribunal claims, ACAS conciliations, settlement agreements and legal case preparation.
• Build strong relationships with leaders and managers, coaching them through complex people challenges.
• Develop policies, guidance materials, training and toolkits to improve management capability and consistency.
• Work collaboratively with HR Business Partners, leaders and specialist teams to deliver effective people solutions.
• Contribute to wider HR projects and strategic initiatives that support CVS Group's continued growth.

You'll be an experienced HR professional with strong employee relations expertise and a proven track record of supporting organisational change in a fast-paced environment.

• CIPD Level 5 qualified (or equivalent experience).
• Significant experience in employee relations and employment law.
• Proven experience supporting restructures, redundancies, consultations, TUPE transfers and acquisitions.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment legislation and its practical application.
• Experience managing complex ER cases, Employment Tribunals, ACAS processes and settlement agreements.
• Excellent stakeholder management, influencing and coaching skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex issues clearly.
• Well‑organised, proactive and comfortable managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Experience using Microsoft Office and HR systems.

At CVS Group, you'll be part of a supportive and collaborative HR function that plays a vital role in driving business success. You'll have the opportunity to work on high-impact projects, influence senior stakeholders, and contribute to meaningful organisational change across one of the UK's leading veterinary groups.

• 6 weeks leave a year (5 weeks annual leave + Bank Holidays or equivalent time off)
• Home-based working
• Buy/Sell holiday scheme
• Health cash plan – money saved on everyday health treatments
• A range of flexible benefits to suit your needs, including discounted gym membership, childcare vouchers and much more!

CVS is committed to being a fully inclusive place to work where all our colleagues are encouraged and supported to be themselves, where difference is celebrated and where everyone feels able to deliver their best. We are also determined to build a workforce that is more representative of our diverse communities and the people we provide our services to.