Employee Relations Lead

RESPONSIBILITIES

Employee Relations Lead / Senior Employee Relations Specialist
6-Month Contract
Location: Exeter (1 day per week on site)

We are seeking an experienced Employee Relations professional to join a People team supporting a large UK organisation. This role offers the opportunity to lead and develop the Employee Relations function, providing expert guidance on complex employment matters while driving continuous improvement across people services.

The Role

You will play a key role in supporting organisational performance through the delivery of high-quality Employee Relations services. Working with stakeholders across all levels of the organisation, including senior leadership, you will provide expert advice on complex casework, develop ER best practices, and contribute to a positive employee experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Employee Relations function, ensuring the delivery of best practice employee relations services.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on complex employee relations matters, including escalated cases and employment tribunal preparation where required.
• Supervise and support case management activities, ensuring consistency, quality, and compliance with employment legislation.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders, senior leaders, external providers, and employee representative groups.
• Support the development of managers through coaching, guidance, and training on employee relations matters.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across people services, identifying opportunities to enhance processes, service delivery, and employee experience.
• Analyse and utilise people metrics and reporting to support decision-making and service improvements.
• Contribute to wider people projects and organisational change initiatives.
• Ensure policies and practices remain aligned with current employment legislation and industry best practice.

Essential Experience

• Significant experience within Employee Relations, including management of complex and high-risk casework.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and employee relations best practice.
• Experience advising and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver service improvements.
• Strong coaching, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience working collaboratively across HR/People functions and with external stakeholders.
• Ability to interpret and utilise people data and metrics to inform decision-making.