About the role

The Employee Relations Specialist provides expert advice and guidance across a broad range of employee relations matters, ensuring compliance with legislation and company policies. They build and maintain strong relationships with trade union and employee representatives and contribute to the development and implementation of HR policies related to employee relations. The role works closely with the Group ER team to align policies and support cross-functional collaboration when required.

They partner with People & Culture Partners/Directors and managers to lead group programme consulations, support dispute resolution processes, and manage ER-related risks in a timely and proficient way, backed up by data to identify trends and inform decision-making.

This role is part of the Design & Delivery team, working as a flexible, T shaped practitioner to deliver high quality people products and support COE priorities through consistent, collaborative and transparent ways of working.

What you’ll be doing

• Leads group employee relations activity within wider change initiatives, providing specialist People Relations expertise and partnering proactively with People&Cultue Partners, P&C Directors and senior leaders.
• Builds and maintains constructive relationships with trade union representatives (CWU/Prospect) and employee representatives, ensuring regular engagement and consultation on workforce‑impacting matters.
• Provides expert advice and guidance to in‑unit and Group People teams, managers and employees across a broad range of Employee Relations matters, including employment law compliance.
• Supports the senior Group ER Manager and Group ER Strategy Director in developing, implementing and maintaining People policies, procedures, collective agreements and contracts, ensuring alignment with legislation, best practice and company values.
• Analyses and presents key Employee Relations data — such as grievance trends, disciplinary activity and collective bargaining outcomes — to identify insights and inform decision‑making.
• Works as part of an agile, cross‑functional P&C organisation, contributing ER expertise to projects beyond core specialism to deliver value across multiple HR domains.

Essential Skills / Experience

• Proven experience in successfully handling negotiations/consultations with trade unions/employee representatives to resolution.
• Solid understanding of employment law and its practical application in policy development.
• Trusted advisor with strong stakeholder management and commercial insight.

Desirable Skills / Experience

• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to apply business knowledge to decisions.
• Experience ensuring compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements.
• Able to implement and support change management activities.
• Designs processes and products with accessibility and inclusion in mind.
• Competent in project and risk management across full project lifecycles.
• Demonstrates a growth mindset with continuous learning and development.
• Applies inclusive leadership and values diverse perspectives.

Our Package

Tailored benefits make a real difference. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range to support your growth, wellbeing, and everyday life. You can design the package to suit you and your lifestyle.

Your core benefits include: 

• 10% on target annual bonus 
• Access to an online private GP 24/7 for you and your immediate family
• Market-leading paid carers leave with up to 2 weeks off
• Equalised maternity, paternity, and adoption leave – 18 weeks’ full pay and 8 weeks’ half pay 
• Discounted EE and BT products, including mobile and broadband 
• Market leading Pension scheme – 5% from you and 10% from us
• Holiday purchase scheme 

You can select additional benefits, including healthcare, dental, gym memberships and more when you’re ready.