Employee Relations Manager - #1694294

Employee Relations (ER) Manager

Birmingham | £50,000 - £55,000 | Permanent | Full Time | 2 days onsite / 3 days WFH

A Birmingham-based housing association is seeking an experienced Employee Relations Manager to join their People team on a permanent, full-time basis.

Reporting to the Head of People Operations, you will lead a small team of two and provide strategic guidance across all areas of employee relations. You will be responsible for managing complex casework, supporting and coaching managers, developing policies, and driving a positive, fair and inclusive workplace culture. Acting as a key escalation point for high-risk cases, you will help safeguard the organisation against legal and reputational risks while promoting proactive employee engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the ER Advisory team, managing complex cases including disciplinaries, grievances, performance management and redundancies


• Act as a senior escalation point for high-risk ER issues and tribunal claims


• Provide strategic advice and coaching to managers and senior leaders on employee relations matters


• Develop and implement ER policies and ensure legal compliance and best practice


• Analyse ER data to identify trends, risks and opportunities for proactive interventions


• Design and deliver training for managers on ER topics and early intervention strategies


• Support the organisation’s employee engagement and wellbeing initiatives


• Manage trade union relationships and responses to recognition attempts

About You:

• Strong leadership experience within ER, including managing high-risk cases


• Expert knowledge of UK employment law and best practice employee relations approaches


• Proven ability to advise, coach and influence senior leaders


• Experience in policy development and implementation


• Data-driven with experience analysing ER trends to inform strategy


• Skilled in balancing risk, business needs and employee experience


• Excellent communication, negotiation and organisational skills

Benefits include:

• 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service) plus your birthday off


• Enrolment in the Social Housing Pension Scheme (SHPS)


• 3x salary death-in-service cover


• Access to a 24/7 virtual GP service


• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave


• Paid sick leave for at least eight weeks


• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) with trained counsellors


• Discounts via the Blue Light Card and rewards website


• Money off optical prescriptions and eye tests


• Recognition awards for long service


• Health cash plan, personal accident plan, and other wellness benefits