Employee Relations Manager

Northern England / Hybrid
£65,000 + Car Allowance + Bonus + Excellent Benefits

About the Role

Employee Relations can mean many things.

For some businesses, it’s largely case management, policy interpretation and the occasional complex issue.

This isn’t one of those roles. We’re supporting a large, multi-site organisation in the search for an experienced Employee Relations Manager to lead and shape their ER agenda across the UK and Ireland.

With a workforce of approximately 2,500 employees and a strong union presence, this role requires someone who understands that successful employee relations are about much more than managing issues as they arise. It’s about building credible relationships, influencing stakeholders, navigating complexity and creating partnerships that support both colleagues and the wider business.

Reporting directly to the HR Director, you’ll take ownership of the organisation’s collective employee relations strategy, whilst leading a team of ER Advisors responsible for day to day case management activity.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading relationships with recognised trade unions and employee representatives across the business.
• Managing national collective bargaining activity and supporting local negotiations where required.
• Developing and delivering the employee relations strategy in line with wider business objectives.
• Providing expert guidance to senior leaders on complex ER matters.
• Supporting organisational change, consultation and transformation activity.
• Leading, coaching and developing a team of Employee Relations Advisors.
• Ensuring policies, processes and agreements remain compliant, effective and aligned to business needs.
• Building trusted relationships across operational and leadership teams to drive positive employee outcomes.