Permanent | Hybrid Working with Flexibility | Exeter
Cathedral Appointments is recruiting on behalf of an ambitious and growing professional services firm for an experienced Employee Relations Specialist. With a culture built on strong relationships, collaboration and trust, the business is continuing to evolve, and its HR team plays a central part in supporting that growth and helping leaders make sound people decisions.
The Role
As the organisation’s go-to expert on employee relations, you will advise and support leaders on complex and sensitive people matters, working closely with HR Business Partners and Advisors to lead cases and investigations, shape policy and support compliance with employment law. This role suits a commercially minded ER professional who enjoys tackling difficult situations and finding practical solutions that balance legal risk, business priorities and the employee experience. The role is based in Exeter, with occasional travel to other offices.
Responsibilities for the Employee Relations Specialist:
- Lead employee relations cases from initial assessment through to resolution, covering disciplinary, grievance, performance, absence, conduct and flexible working matters.
- Give leaders commercially focused, legally sound advice that manages risk and achieves fair, consistent outcomes.
- Conduct and oversee investigations into complex employee matters.
- Work alongside HR Business Partners and Advisors to share expertise and build manager confidence and capability.
- Develop and refine policies, guidance and processes so they stay practical, compliant and fit for purpose.
- Track ER trends, data and employment law developments, turning them into clear guidance and process improvements.
Requirements for the Employee Relations Specialist include:
- Significant experience handling complex employee relations matters.
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
- A pragmatic, commercial approach to problem solving.
- The confidence to advise and influence senior stakeholders.
- Excellent investigation, coaching and communication skills, with strong organisation and attention to detail.
- Discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive matters. Experience within a professional services environment would be an advantage.
Benefits:
- Competitive Salary (this is a mid/senior level HR role).
- Hybrid working, with a flexible and agile approach agreed within the team.
- A visible and influential role, working on some of the organisation’s most complex people issues.
- The chance to shape management capability, policy and people practice across the business.
- A supportive, collaborative HR team within an inclusive culture where people are trusted to make an impact.
- Based in Exeter, with occasional travel to other offices.
If you are an Employee Relations specialist looking for a role where your judgement and expertise will genuinely shape how a growing business manages its people, we would love to hear from you.
Note on Sponsorship: We regret to inform you that at this time, we are unable to offer sponsorship for work authorisation for this role. Therefore, candidates must possess valid authorisation to work in the UK without requiring visa sponsorship.
Recruitment Consultant: Charlotte Coke
Ref: 11415