HR Generalist (Employee Relations Focused)

Job Purpose

We are seeking a highly experienced Employee Relations Advisor to join our HR team and provide expert guidance on complex employee relations matters across multiple sites. The ideal candidate will bring a minimum of 5 years' dedicated experience in employee relations, hold a CIPD Level 5 qualification, and have proven ability to manage ER issues in a multi-site environment. Experience within the higher education sector is a plus but not essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice and support on a wide range of ER issues including disciplinary, grievance, performance management, absence management, and conduct issues.
• Partner with managers and HR colleagues to ensure consistency and compliance with employment law, company policy, and best practice.
• Lead and manage complex ER casework from investigation to resolution, ensuring timely and fair outcomes.
• Coach and develop line managers in handling ER matters, equipping them to manage employee issues confidently and effectively.
• Support in the development and review of ER policies, procedures, and toolkits.
• Ensure documentation, case notes, and records are accurately maintained in line with data protection and legal requirements.
• Collaborate with legal advisors, trade unions, and external stakeholders as required.
• Contribute to organisational change initiatives such as restructures, TUPE transfers, and redundancy processes.
• Use HR data to identify ER trends and provide insights to support proactive solutions and continuous improvement.
• Work flexibly across multiple sites, adapting to the needs of different teams and departments.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

• Minimum of 5 years' experience working solely in employee relations, managing a broad range of complex ER cases.
• CIPD Level 5 qualification or equivalent.
• Demonstrable multi-site experience, with the ability to balance competing demands and priorities.
• Strong understanding of UK employment law and its practical application.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and negotiation skills.
• Confident in coaching and supporting managers in all aspects of ER.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage sensitive situations with discretion and professionalism.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience working within the higher education sector.
• Familiarity with HRIS systems and data reporting tools.
• Exposure to organisational change projects, including restructures and redundancy processes.

This role will require UK Travel to our other campus' when applicable

What We Offer

Salary: £32,000 - £35,000

• Company pension
• Free On-site parking
• 28 days annual leave (8 UK Bank Holidays)

Please note, we are not in the position to offer sponsorships!