Linnaeus
Associate Relations Specialist
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If you are a current Linnaeus Associate, you will need to apply internally. In order to do this, please contact our Talent Acquisition team (details can be found via The Link) and someone will be in touch to discuss and progress your application.
Associate Relations Specialist - 12 Months Fixed Term Contract
Location: Solihull – United Kingdom (with occasional travel across the UK & Republic of Ireland)
About Us
Mars Veterinary Health (MVH) Europe is a family of leading veterinary care providers committed to creating A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS. Our network includes trusted brands such as AniCura and Linnaeus, operating over 450 animal hospitals and clinics across 18 European countries. Together, our teams deliver high-quality, modern veterinary care, ensuring peace of mind for pet owners through excellent access and patient safety.
At MVH Europe, we prioritise a culture of accountability, inclusion and wellbeing. We believe our purpose - A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS - starts with building a better world for our people. We support our teams through comprehensive wellbeing programmes, clear development and career paths, and a shared passion for delivering exceptional outcomes in veterinary care.
About The Role
We're looking for an experienced Associate Relations Specialist to join our People & Organisation team, supporting our UK and Republic of Ireland businesses on a fixed term contract.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an Employee Relations professional who enjoys partnering with managers, solving complex people challenges and driving best practice. You'll act as a trusted advisor, coaching line managers and P&O colleagues through a wide range of Associate Relations matters while ensuring decisions are fair, consistent and aligned with our Five Principles, Associate Concept and employment legislation.
Working collaboratively across the business, you'll help build manager capability, minimise organisational risk and continuously improve our Associate Relations practices, policies and processes.
Key Responsibilities
As our Associate Relations Specialist, you will:
- Partner with line managers to manage disciplinary, grievance, performance management and involuntary separation processes.
- Coach and support managers, P&O Business Partners and HR Advisors on complex Associate Relations matters.
- Build trusted relationships across the business, providing expert employment law advice and practical solutions.
- Support the design, implementation and continuous improvement of Associate Relations policies, procedures and guidelines.
- Design and Deliver engaging capability-building programmes that develop manager confidence in handling employee relations matters.
- Resolve complex workplace issues and conflicts in partnership with P&O Business Partners.
- Ensure Associate Relations processes are delivered fairly, consistently and in line with company policies and employment legislation.
- Analyse Associate Relations data and trends to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and proactive interventions.
- Monitor employment law developments and recommend improvements to policies, practices and procedures.
- Partner with external legal counsel where required to support employment-related matters.
- Promote a consistent approach to Associate Relations across the organisation while delivering an outstanding experience for our associates.
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What We're Looking For
You'll be an experienced Employee or Associate Relations professional with a passion for developing managers and creating positive employee experiences.
You'll ideally have:
- Significant experience managing a broad range of employee relations cases, including absence, disciplinary, grievance and performance management.
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law and employee relations best practice.
- Experience coaching and influencing managers through complex people situations.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to build credibility and trusted relationships at all levels.
- Strong communication, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
- Experience designing and delivering training or capability-building programmes for managers.
- The ability to interpret data and identify trends that support continuous improvement.
- A proactive, pragmatic and solutions-focused approach with excellent judgement.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
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Experience working within a multi-site or geographically dispersed organisation would be advantageous.
Why Join Us?
Joining Mars Veterinary Health Europe means becoming part of a purpose-driven organisation where people and pets are equally important. You'll have the opportunity to shape Associate Relations across a growing international business while working alongside passionate colleagues who are committed to creating an exceptional workplace culture.
In return, you'll benefit from:
- A collaborative and supportive People & Organisation team.
- Opportunities to influence and improve Associate Relations across the UK and Republic of Ireland.
- Ongoing learning, development and career progression opportunities.
- Flexible hybrid working.
- A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
- A culture built on our Five Principles: Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom.
Diversity & Inclusion
Mars is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you require assistance or reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process because of a disability, please let us know. We're committed to providing an inclusive recruitment experience and will ensure you receive the support you need throughout the application process.
If this sounds like you:
Please contact Christina Scimeca, Group Corporate Recruiter, who is happy to tell you more about this opportunity and the recruitment process. Or apply by submitting your resume through the apply button below.
MVHE is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds.
Internal Candidates/Associates: If you are interested in this position, please reach out to the Corporate Recruiter to understand the internal recruitment
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