Employee Relations Manager
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£52,900
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
Our predicted code SOC 1136 (93% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £52,900, and The Go-Ahead Group is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the published rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
About the role
About the Company
Go-Ahead Group is a leading international public transport operator providing bus and rail services across the UK and internationally. We play an important role in connecting communities and helping people travel safely and sustainably every day.
About the Role
Location: 55 Degrees North, Newcastle
Reporting to: Head of People Services
The Role
Go-Ahead Group is seeking an Employee Relations Manager to provide specialist employee and industrial relations expertise across the Group. Reporting to the Head of People Services, this role will support complex, sensitive and high-risk ER and IR matters, helping leaders manage people issues fairly, consistently and in line with employment law, Group policy and the Go-Ahead Way. The role will also strengthen governance, support People risk management and help shape practical policies, toolkits and guidance across Group and Operating Companies.
Responsibilities
- Employee Relations Advice & Case Management
- Provide specialist ER advice and guidance on complex, sensitive and high-risk employee relations matters, ensuring cases are managed in line with employment law, Group policy and the Go-Ahead Way.
- Support People Business Partners, People Leads and managers with high-risk disciplinary, grievance, capability, conduct, absence and performance matters.
- Maintain consolidated Tribunal and settlement logs across UK Operating Companies, providing reporting on risks, case trends and costs.
- Promote fair, consistent and inclusive ER practice, enabling leaders to make informed decisions that balance legal risk, colleague experience and operational requirements.
- Policy, Process & Toolkits
- Develop and implement People and Culture policies, templates, manager toolkits, briefings and colleague communications that are practical, clear and aligned to current and emerging employment legislation.
Qualifications
- Proven employee relations experience in a complex organisation, with experience advising on disciplinary, grievance, capability, absence, performance and workplace conflict matters.
- Strong working knowledge of UK employment law, ACAS guidance and practical ER risk management.
- Experience supporting complex or high-risk ER cases, including investigations, hearings, appeals, settlement discussions and escalated matters.
- Experience supporting industrial relations strategy, trade union engagement and organisational change in complex, multi-site or unionised environments.
- Experience developing ER policies, practical guidance, manager toolkits, briefings, FAQs or colleague communications.
- CIPD qualification or equivalent practical HR/ER experience is desirable.
Required Skills
- Calm, credible and confident when advising on sensitive people matters, with strong judgement, attention to detail, inclusive values and the ability to balance legal risk, fairness, colleague experience and operational needs.
If you don’t meet every requirement but feel this role could be right for you, we still encourage you to apply.
Pay range and compensation package
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing, financial, and emotional support
- Flexible working to balance your needs
Equal Opportunity Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer that recognises the value of a diverse workforce. We are committed to creating an inclusive workforce where all our people feel valued, supported and able to succeed. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on objective criteria and without regard to the following (which is a non-exhaustive list): age, race, religion or belief, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, caregiving responsibilities or other characteristics in accordance with the relevant governing laws. We will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. If you require adjustments to participate in the application or interview process, please let us know at tom.white@go-ahead.com.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Apply today and start a rewarding career with Go-Ahead Group - keeping our communities moving. Please send your cv to Tom.white@go-ahead.com.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with The Go-Ahead Group, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
SOC 1136 · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · ~170k in sampleSimilar sponsored roles
See all jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at The Go-Ahead Group →About sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. The Go-Ahead Group holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 1136 going rate of £52,900. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.