Job Title: Employee Relations Specialist Location: Warwick/Hybrid Contract: 6-8 weeks possibility for extension

Are you passionate about fostering positive workplace relationships and navigating complex employee issues? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you! Our client, a leader in the utilities sector, is seeking a dedicated Employee Relations Specialist for a temporary contract of 8 weeks.

Why This Role Matters: As an Employee Relations Specialist, you will play a crucial role in providing high-quality case management support that is both customer-focused and responsive. Your expertise will guide line managers in navigating HR policies and practices, ensuring a harmonious and efficient workplace.

Key Responsibilities:

• 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 Case Management.
• Ensure consistency and efficiency in the application of ER related policies; coaching managers, setting and updating policy providing central coaching and steer to People team across the wider business.
• In attendance at Disciplinary Appeal hearings and Stage 3 of complex sickness absence cases supporting Hearing Managers with best practice insight to enable a fair and reasonable decisions to be made.
• Supporting and coaching managers in handling complex sickness cases at all levels up to and including potential medical redeployment/ill health dismissal (including Group Income Protection claims) and/or sickness absence stage 3 dismissal; advice on reasonable adjustments.
• Supporting and coaching Managers in the handling of performance improvement cases in the build up to a PIP Stage 3 hearing.
• Advise on DBH/grievance investigations as required and coach respective parties in approach - eg manager, investigator, People Advisor etc. in exceptional cases based on risk profile of case, may attend earlier stage meetings.
• Complete review of cases leading to dismissal by the reason and provide coaching and feedback to regional People Advisor on risks.
• Complete review of allegations drafted by People Advisors disciplinary cases prior to disciplinary hearings taking place.
• Deliver related learning and development/up skilling programmes Champion ER best practice through delivery of policy & practice awareness sessions.
• As directed, and on occasion facilitate appropriate protected or without prejudice conversations, liaise with ACAS and internal stakeholders to deliver settlement agreements and Proactive contribution to meetings and technical reviews of cases and lessons learnt to share learning
• Proactive contribution at Management meetings (People Partner and other) to share trends and insights
• Provide guidance to People Advisors on best practice to ensure consistency of approach.
• Lead and support in case management project work or policy & process reviews as required
• To work with ER colleagues, Centers of Excellence and wider HR team to support the delivery of an effective case management service
• Support & contribute to continual improvement
• Involvement in collective bargaining matters such as ONOF forum, policy working group and pay negotiations as and when required.
• Foster positive working relationships with our trade union.

Key experience and knowledge:

• Well versed in leading, engaging and managing multiple people at different levels
• Experienced HR Generalist or Employee Relations Specialist able to manage complex cases and provide advice based on best practice, current legal guidance with commercial option as well as support for Case Management related activity
• Understanding and experience of external good practice ie ACAS requirements for such policies/processes
• Experience of facilitating and managing multiple complex hearings/case work up to and including dismissal
• Experience of advising & coaching on the management of sickness cases up to and including dismissal and Ill health Retirement
• Experience of advising & coaching on the management of Performance Improvement cases
• Experience of advising & coaching on the management of Grievance and DBH cases, including investigations
• A thorough knowledge of our Policy and Procedures
• Ability to work under pressure and deliver high quality work in a timely manner
• Ability to manage a disparate workload, multi-task and prioritise to offer a consistently high level of delivery
• Ability to effectively and proactively manage stakeholder relationships at all levels in association with case work
• 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.
• Delivery & Customer focused
• Resilient and tenacious.
• Team player focused on value creation.

Apply Now! Join our client in shaping a positive workplace culture. Submit your application today and embark on an exciting journey to elevate employee relations within the utilities industry!

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.