Employee Relations Specialist

Surbiton, Surrey
Working pattern: Hybrid – 3 days office-based, 2 days working from home
Employment type: Permanent

This is an exciting opportunity to join a newly established Head Office Employee Relations team and play a key role in shaping a fair, transparent and supportive workplace environment across a large national organisation.

We are looking for a passionate and experienced Employee Relations professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys tackling complex and sensitive employee matters.

You will take ownership of formal grievance investigations and hearings across the organisation, working closely with the Employee Relations Team Manager and key stakeholders. Your expertise will help ensure consistent, objective and empathetic decision-making while supporting managers and contributing to the wider employee experience.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to make a genuine impact within a growing ER function.

What you will do

• Manage and coordinate formal and informal grievance cases from start to finish.
• Lead fact-finding and investigation meetings.
• Conduct formal grievance hearings and support the delivery of appropriate outcomes.
• Draft clear, accurate and well-reasoned outcome letters.
• Maintain comprehensive and confidential case documentation.
• Provide practical Employee Relations guidance and support to managers.
• Manage disciplinary processes where required.
• Identify trends and provide feedback and learning from ER cases.
• Ensure cases are handled in line with employment legislation and the ACAS Code of Practice.
• Keep up to date with developments in employment law and HR best practice.
• Contribute to a positive, professional and inclusive workplace culture.
• Support the continued development of the wider Employee Relations function.

What you will need

• Significant experience within an Employee Relations role, with strong experience managing complex cases.
• Proven experience leading grievance investigations and delivering appropriate outcomes.
• Strong understanding of grievance and disciplinary procedures and the ACAS Code of Practice.
• Excellent knowledge of UK employment legislation.
• Experience handling highly sensitive, confidential and complex employee matters.
• Ability to manage a busy caseload while remaining calm, organised and solution-focused.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and sound judgement.
• Excellent HR systems and Google/Microsoft Office skills.
• A CIPD Level 7 qualification or relevant legal qualification would be desirable.
• Experience within a retail, hospitality or similarly fast-paced operational environment would be advantageous.

What you will get

• 35 days' holiday per year (pro rata).
• 10% employee discount.
• Sabbatical opportunities.
• Enhanced family leave.
• Pension scheme.
• Hybrid working.
• Modern head office facilities, including an on-site gym and restaurant.
• A supportive environment with opportunities for personal and professional development.
• A range of additional employee benefits and perks.

Why join?

You'll be joining an organisation where Employee Relations is viewed as a genuine business partner, with the opportunity to influence how employee matters are managed nationally.

If you are an experienced ER professional who enjoys solving complex problems, making balanced decisions and helping organisations create better employee experiences, we'd love to hear from you.