ER Specialist - Oxfordshire or Surrey
2 days ago
Oxford
This is a great opportunity to advance your Employee Relations career with one of the world’s most iconic heritage brands. The role offers a competitive salary and market-leading benefits, with a base in Surrey or Oxfordshire. You will lead the delivery of expert, high-impact Employee Relations support across the business, strengthening ER capability, ensuring robust governance, and maintaining clear, compliant people policies aligned with UK and international employment law and our values. Working closely with People Business Partners, you will resolve issues early, reduce legal and reputational risk, and enable fair, consistent outcomes that support a positive workplace culture. Key Responsibilities Employee Relations Case Management Provide expert guidance and end-to-end management of complex ER cases, including conduct, performance/capability, absence and health, grievances, flexible working, probation, settlement agreements, and restructures/TUPE. Draft and quality-check all ER documentation including investigation reports, outcome letters, hearing packs, and settlement documentation. Chair or support formal hearings and appeals for complex or sensitive matters. Coach managers and PBPs to resolve issues early and consistently, applying company policies and the ACAS Code of Practice. Coordinate with external legal counsel where required and support tribunal preparation including witness statements and case documentation. Compliance, Governance & Risk Embed strong ER governance including case triage, risk assessment, escalation protocols, and audit trails. Ensure decisions align with employment legislation, ACAS Codes, GDPR, equality law, and internal controls. Maintain an ER risk register, identifying trends and implementing proactive mitigation strategies. Policy, Frameworks & Process Own and continuously improve the ER policy framework (disciplinary, grievance, performance, absence, flexible working, whistleblowing, dignity at work, social media etc.). Translate legislation and case law into practical guidance and toolkits for managers and HR teams. Standardise ER templates, processes and guidance within HR systems and knowledge platforms, ensuring clear version control and communication. Data, Insight & Continuous Improvement Manage ER dashboards and reporting covering case volumes, trends, timeliness, outcomes and recurrence. Use insights to drive preventative interventions, including manager training, policy updates and wellbeing initiatives. Capability Building & Culture Design and deliver targeted training on investigations, difficult conversations, absence management and inclusive decision-making. Provide real-time coaching for managers and PBPs handling complex cases. Champion a culture of respect, fairness and early resolution, role-modelling company values. Visa & Sponsored Worker Compliance Act as the organisational lead for visa-sponsored worker compliance. Ensure full adherence to sponsorship and right-to-work requirements, maintaining governance, tracking and reporting aligned with Home Office regulations. Advise HR and business leaders on sponsored worker risks and responsibilities. Knowledge, Skills & Experience Business Knowledge Strong understanding of UK employment law and regulatory requirements. International experience is advantageous. Awareness of reputational, legal and operational risk in people decisions. Essential Skills Complex ER case management Employment law interpretation and application Policy design and implementation Conflict resolution and mediation Skilled worker visa sponsorship processes Data analysis and ER reporting This role offers the chance to shape ER best practice within a globally recognised brand, building capability across the organisation while supporting the company’s continued growth. Location: Surrey or Oxfordshire Benefits: Competitive salary and market-leading benefits package