Employee Relations Manager

Role Overview

• Lead the employee relations framework across the organisation.
• Manage complex, sensitive, and high-risk ER cases including grievances, disciplinaries, performance management, investigations, dismissals, and organisational change matters; in partnership with the relevant Business Partner.
• Act as the escalation point for senior leaders and HR colleagues on ER issues.
• Ensure consistent and fair application of policies and procedures across all locations.
• Monitor and interpret pending and emerging UK and Irish employment legislation and assess potential impact on the organisation.
• Lead the implementation of legislative changes into policies, procedures, and HR practices; partnering with the wider HR team.
• Translate legal requirements into clear and practical guidance for managers and HR teams.
• Proactively identify organisational risks associated with legislative change and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Show up as the technical expert; providing expert advice to senior leaders on complex employee relations matters and legal risk, in partnership with relevant BP.
• Partner with internal or external legal advisors on high-risk or litigious cases.
• Support organisational change initiatives, leading the programme management of any large scale changes ensuring all legal requirements are met.
• Develop, review, and maintain employee relations policies and procedures to ensure compliance with UK and Irish employment law.
• Lead consultation processes related to policy changes and organisational initiatives where required.
• Support the management of employment tribunal claims, ACAS Early Conciliation cases, and other formal disputes.
• Design and deliver training for managers on employee relations best practice, including investigations, disciplinaries, grievances, and performance management.
• Coach managers and HR colleagues to build confidence and capability in managing people issues effectively and fairly.
• Upskill HR team on upcoming employment law changes but also cases of interest that may influence how we work moving forwards.
• Track and analyse employee relations data and trends to identify recurring issues and areas of organisational risk.
• Use insights to recommend improvements to policies, processes, and manager capability.
• Contribute to broader people strategy initiatives related to engagement, retention, and workplace culture.
• Acts as the central collation point for all ER activity, particularly when reporting on litigation risk.
• Build strong relationships with HR colleagues, and senior stakeholders.
• Engage with trade unions or employee representatives where applicable.
• Act as a trusted and impartial advisor on employee relations matters.

Requirements

• Significant experience in employee relations or HR with a strong focus on ER.
• Strong knowledge of employment law and employee relations best practice.
• Proven experience managing complex and high-risk ER cases end-to-end.
• Experience advising senior stakeholders on people-related risk and decision-making.
• Excellent investigation, analytical, and report-writing skills.
• Strong communication and influencing capability.
• Experience working in a fast paced, multi-site environment.
• Ability to travel across our retail estate

Benefits

• Generous 50% staff discount so you can treat yourself to the latest products, and a bargain staff shop on site!
• Reducing Islanders everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more through the Retail Trust.
• A free onsite gym, subsidised restaurant & café to fill your needs. Various social events to socialise throughout the year.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption & fertility treatment.
• Flexible working is a given, on top of payday and summer early finish Fridays.
• Give as you earn scheme, a ‘Giver Island’ day each year and receive matched funding.
• Support with upskilling through on the job training and qualifications. A succession plan if you want to progress.
• A generous bonus scheme & private pension plan.
• The choice to opt in for healthcare through AXA.
• An allowance supporting your commute to work.
• 25 days paid holiday, exclusive of Bank Holidays. With the added option to purchase additional holiday twice a year for whatever the need!