Employee Relations Manager

We’re looking for an Employee Relations Manager to join a collaborative HR team, leading a small team of ER specialists and providing expert support across a busy, multi-site retail organisation.

Reporting to the Head of Employee Relations, you’ll play a key role in managing complex and escalated ER cases, coaching and developing your team, and partnering closely with HR Business Partners and wider stakeholders to deliver a consistent, pragmatic approach to employee relations.

This is a hands‑on ER leadership role where no two days will be the same. You’ll provide trusted advice on a broad range of complex employee relations matters, ensuring cases are handled fair, consistently and in line with employment legislation and company policy.

• Lead, support and develop a small team of Employee Relations professionals.
• Take ownership of complex and escalated ER cases, providing high-quality advice and challenge where needed.
• Partner closely with HR Business Partners and operational leaders to resolve people issues effectively.
• Provide coaching and guidance to managers, helping build ER capability and confidence across the business.
• Identify trends and themes from ER activity and use insight to influence improvements.
• Contribute to and lead policy reviews and updates, ensuring policies remain relevant, practical and legally compliant.
• Support the development of a consistent, commercially focused approach to employee relations across the organisation.
• Produce and interpret ER reporting and management information, highlighting key trends, risks and opportunities.
• Build strong relationships across the wider HR team.. working collaboratively to deliver an excellent service to the business.

You’ll be an experienced Employee Relations professional who is comfortable operating in a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment and confident dealing with complex and sensitive situations.

You’ll bring:

• Strong experience in a senior ER advisory or ER management role.
• Experience of managing or leading a small team.
• A strong track record of managing complex and escalated employee relations cases.
• Excellent knowledge of UK employment legislation and HR best practice.
• Experience of reviewing, developing and implementing HR policies.
• Excellent communication, influencing and coaching skills.
• A pragmatic, commercial approach, with the confidence to challenge when required.
• A collaborative approach and a genuine passion for delivering great employee experiences.

Experience with in retail, hospitality, logistics or another fast‑paced, multi‑site environment would be particularly advantageous.

This is a permanent, hybrid role with travel offering up to £60,000 per annum plus car allowance.