Employee Relations (ER) Manager

Employee Relations (ER) ManagerBirmingham | £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

For more information about the role, please contact Matt Alderson at Ivy Rock Partners for a confidential conversation.