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Employee Relations Partner

Northampton
Posted about 14 hours ago
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Are you a subject matter expert on Employee Relations?

Do you thrive working independently?

Do you consider yourself to be results driven?

DS Smith could be looking for you!

DS Smith, a leading international sustainable packaging producer, is seeking an Employee Relations Consultant with a profound understanding and on a part time basis. DS Smith are producers of sustainable packaging solutions but also manufacture paper and provide recycling services. This role is ideal for an individual with experience in a standalone role, tenure driving strategic ER initiatives and case management skills. The successful applicant will be an individual ideally from the Manufacturing (or similar) industry.

Role: Employee Relations Partner

Location: 80% home based 20% office

Only applicants from the UK with full right to work in the UK can be considered on this occasion

There is the potential for some travel to Manufacturing sites but on an ad-hoc basis (expenses covered)

Rate: Competitive and based upon experience (Inside IR35)

Contract length: 3 months

Shifts: X3 days per week (flexible) and 7.5 hours per day (start and finish time flexible)

Start: ASAP (within one week)

Responsibilities

  • Supporting with upcoming change to the Employment Rights Bill, ensuring business compliance by developing/reviewing relevant policies and manager training/guidance (e.g. probation & sexual harassment) as needed, in addition to advising internal stakeholders as required
  • Assess current training solutions and guidance packs for people managers in relation to absence, disciplinary, complaints and performance management and conduct external market research with the aim of developing a proposal for people manager upskilling going forward.
  • To assist in the development of a roadmap for manager ER case self-service with the objective of developing tools to enable people managers to manage certain types of ER cases themselves without need of direct support from the ER case management team.
  • Be part of the UK wide HR policy group whose purpose is to develop and deploy standard HR policies, adhering to any consultation obligations.
  • Supporting ad hoc ER related activities as needed.

Reasons to use Rodeo

I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?

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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme

PwC·London, UK
£35,000/yr

Why you're a good match

Strong

Your economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.

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Why you're a good match

You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.

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Experience fit

Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.

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Essential Requirements

  • Good understanding of UK Employment Law knowledge, including the Employment Rights Act 2025
  • CIPD qualification (level 5 or 7) would be advantageous
  • Previous experience working within ER within a Manufacturing, Industrial, Construction (or equivalent) industry (2+ years)
  • The ability to work in a standalone position and work independently
  • Profound knowledge around disciplinary, complaint and absence processes in accordance with UK employment legislation
  • A confidential work from home set up with previous experience remote working
  • Confidence working independently and upon own initiative
  • Strong verbal and written communication skill
  • Prior experience producing, delivering and reviewing training material to management
  • Good IT literacy, especially with MS office and HR platforms

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Benefits

  • Opportunity to influence policy and strategy with a global organisation
  • Flexible working structure to fit with your work life balance
  • Dedicated team throughout your journey within the role
  • Connection with multiple individuals in your industry to enhance future prospects
  • Exclusive online services including restaurant and retail discounts
  • Chance to receive £300* for referring a friend
  • Free access to lifestyle benefits including: Financial, Physical and Mental Health support
  • Potential for direct pathways to permanent offerings

Randstad Business Support is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.

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Skills

Employee Relations
UK Employment Law
Case Management
Policy Development
Manager Training
Disciplinary Processes
Absence Management
Performance Management
Stakeholder Management
MS Office
HR Platforms
Strategic ER Initiatives

Location

Northampton, England, United Kingdom

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