Employee Relations Specialist

Employee Relations Specialist Warwick/Remote 6 Months Job Purpose: To provide specialist advice and support on individual Employee Relations matters which is customer focused and responsive. This requires professional guidance, risk-based advice, support, coaching and training to Line Managers when managing cases arising from the application of people management ER policies and practice. Examples include sickness absence management, disciplinary / Code of Ethics, conduct, grievance, performance improvement, discrimination, bullying and harassment and others as required. Knowledge, Experience & Technical Know How: Evidence of leading, engaging and managing multiple stakeholders and participants at different hierarchal levels. Experienced Employee Relations Specialist proficient in managing complex cases providing expert advice encompassing current legal requirements and best practice whilst ensuring commercial options incorporating risks are presented. Understanding and experience of external best practice i.e., ACAS requirements for such policies / processes Experience of facilitating and managing multiple complex hearings / case work up to and including dismissal and post dismissal in the area of disciplinary and sickness absence (including ill health retirement). Experience of advising & coaching on the management of all ER Policies and processes Ability to work under pressure and deliver high quality work to required timescales Ability to manage a disparate workload, multi-task and prioritise to deliver BAU activity and team objectives Ability to confidently challenge current ways of working and influence and encourage change Clear and confident communicator (verbal and written) with commercial acumen and ability to adapt communication style in given situations Experience of contentious matters in both an internal and external context including early conciliation, settlement agreements and employment tribunals. Technical Proficiency in application of Employment Law Delivery & Customer focused Resilient and tenacious. Collaborative Team player Key Accountabilities Elevating the brand of the ER team through the provision of a customer focused, visible, and timely professional service with delivery against all aspects of the Case Management process. Ensure consistency and efficiency in the application of ER related policies; coaching managers on an ongoing basis in order they learn from experience; Advising and coaching Independent Managers at formal meetings including hearings and appeals, supporting them with best practice insight to enable a fair and reasonable decisions to be made Collaborative work and advice on DBH / grievance investigations as required and coach respective parties in approach - e.g., manager, investigator etc. Based on risk profile of case, may attend earlier stage meetings. Ensuring documentation of processes are effectively administered and completed. Formulation and delivery of related learning and development / capability programmes. Champion ER best practice through delivery of policy & practice awareness sessions throughout UK Occasional facilitation of appropriate protected or without prejudice conversations, liaise with external and internal stakeholders to deliver settlement agreements Regularly update internal data system to ensure compliance with GDPR, retention schedules and transparency for the ER team. Proactive contribution to meetings and technical reviews of cases and lessons learnt to share learning Proactive contribution at Management meetings (People and other) to share trends and insights Provide support or guidance to Employee Relations Advisors as required Lead and/or contribute to case management project work or policy & process reviews as required Working with ER colleagues, Centres of Excellence and wider People team to support the delivery of an effective service inclusive of continuous improvement. Pontoon is an employment consultancy. We put expertise, energy, and enthusiasm into improving everyone's chance of being part of the workplace. We respect and appreciate people of all ethnicities, generations, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, and more. We do this by showcasing their talents, skills, and unique experience in an inclusive environment that helps them thrive. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know and we will be happy to support you. We use generative AI tools to support our candidate screening process. This helps us ensure a fair, consistent, and efficient experience for all applicants. Rest assured, all final decisions are made by our hiring team, and your application will be reviewed with care and attention