Employee Relations Manager

Company: Macmillan Davies
Apply for the Employee Relations Manager
Location: Manchester
Job Description:

We’re partnering with a people-focused organisation to recruit an experienced Employee Relations Manager for a 12-month fixed-term contract.

This is a key leadership role within a progressive People function, responsible for leading the Employee Relations team and driving a fair, consistent and commercially focused approach to employee relations across the business.

You’ll be the go-to expert for complex ER matters, partnering with senior stakeholders to provide pragmatic advice and guidance while ensuring an exceptional employee experience. Alongside managing escalated cases, you’ll lead, coach and develop a dedicated ER team, helping to create a high-performing and customer-focused function.

This opportunity would suit an experienced ER professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys balancing operational delivery with strategic influence.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead, coach and develop a team of HR Advisors and Administrators, driving high standards and continuous improvement
  • Oversee the delivery of employee relations support across the business, ensuring consistency and best practice
  • Manage and advise on complex and high-risk employee relations cases, including disciplinary, grievance, capability, absence management, investigations and organisational change
  • Act as the escalation point for sensitive and challenging employee relations matters
  • Build strong relationships with senior leaders and managers, providing commercially focused HR guidance and support
  • Support and coach managers to effectively manage employee relations issues and improve people management capability
  • Ensure policies, procedures and employment legislation are applied consistently and fairly
  • Analyse employee relations trends and data, providing insight and recommendations to key stakeholders
  • Produce regular reporting and updates for senior leadership teams
  • Contribute to wider People projects and organisational initiatives
  • Stay abreast of employment law developments and emerging HR best practice

About You

To be successful in this role, you’ll bring significant employee relations experience gained within a complex and fast-moving environment.

  • Strong stakeholder management experience, with the ability to influence and build credibility at senior management level
  • Proven experience managing a team responsible for handling employee relations cases
  • Demonstrable experience managing complex employee relations matters from start to resolution
  • Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and its practical application
  • Experience providing commercially balanced HR advice to managers and leaders
  • Excellent communication, coaching and relationship-building skills
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to use HR data and insights to drive decision-making
  • Ability to manage competing priorities and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment

What’s on Offer?

  • Salary of £50,000
  • Enhanced benefits package
  • Hybrid working model (3 days in the office, 2 days from home)
  • Opportunity to lead a specialist ER function and influence people strategy
  • Exposure to senior stakeholders across the organisation
  • Supportive and collaborative People team
  • Immediate opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a growing business

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Employee Relations professional looking to take ownership of a specialist ER function while leading a team and partnering with senior stakeholders to drive positive employee outcomes.

To apply, please contact Leanne Boddy at Macmillan Davies.

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Posted: July 7th, 2026