Employee Relations Manager

Band 7 | £49,000 – £56,000 | 6-Month Fixed-Term Contract

Sussex | Hybrid Working (2 Days On Site)

We are supporting a large NHS organisation in Surrey with the appointment of an experienced Employee Relations Manager for an initial 6-month fixed-term contract.

This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled HR professional with a strong Employee Relations background to lead on a varied and complex caseload while supporting the delivery of a high-quality HR service across the organisation. Working within a busy and evolving environment, you will play a key role in managing complex workforce matters, advising senior stakeholders, and contributing to workforce improvement initiatives.

About the Role

Reporting into the HR Operations leadership team, you will act as a subject matter expert for Employee Relations, leading on complex and high-risk casework that sits outside of divisional structures. The role will focus on achieving timely resolution of workforce issues while ensuring compliance with NHS policies, employment legislation and best practice.

You will work closely with operational managers, senior leaders and HR colleagues to provide expert advice on disciplinary matters, grievances, attendance management, organisational change and employment tribunals.

The organisation is currently managing staffing and workforce challenges across several services, making this a highly visible role with the opportunity to make a significant impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a portfolio of complex Employee Relations cases, including disciplinary, grievance, capability and absence management matters.
• Provide expert advice on employment law, NHS terms and conditions, policies and procedures.
• Support organisational change programmes, including restructures, consultations and workforce redesign initiatives.
• Manage employment tribunal claims and support legal case preparation.
• Advise on complex medical workforce issues, including matters relating to MHPS (Maintaining High Professional Standards).
• Drive the timely resolution of employee relations issues, minimising risk and ensuring consistency across the organisation.
• Coach and support managers in managing workforce issues effectively and confidently.
• Identify trends and themes arising from casework and recommend service improvements.
• Build positive relationships with staff side representatives, senior managers and clinical leaders.
• Contribute to policy development and continuous improvement initiatives across the HR function.

The role will provide support and guidance across the wider HR advisory team, particularly on complex and high-risk employee relations matters.

About You

We are keen to hear from candidates who have:

• Significant Employee Relations experience within a complex organisation.
• Experience managing complex and sensitive casework from inception to conclusion.
• Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practice.
• Experience supporting disciplinary, grievance, capability, attendance and change management processes.
• Experience managing or supporting Employment Tribunal cases.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• The ability to work autonomously and manage a demanding caseload.

Desirable

• Previous NHS experience.
• Knowledge of Agenda for Change terms and conditions.
• Experience of MHPS processes and medical workforce case management.
• CIPD qualification or equivalent experience.