Employee Relations; ER Specialist

Overview

Join to apply for the Employee Relations (ER) Specialist role at UK Biobank
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Final date to receive applications: 28 September 2025

Department: People & Development

Location: Cheadle

Compensation: £38,000 - £40,000 / year

As an ER Specialist, you’ll play a key role in supporting our People and Development team by providing expert advice and guidance on employee relations matters. From complex casework to policy development, your work will help ensure a positive, inclusive, and legally compliant working environment across the organisation.

• Advising and supporting managers on ER issues, including complex or high-risk cases
• Monitoring people data trends (e.g. absence) and developing action plans
• Supporting performance management processes and action plans
• Promoting early resolution of grievances through mediation or facilitated conversations
• Leading or supporting investigations into misconduct, ensuring accurate documentation
• Advising on sickness absence and health-related issues, including complex cases
• Supporting consultations related to restructures, redundancies, or TUPE transfers
• Contributing to the development and improvement of ER policies and processes
• Supporting the delivery of Management Masterclasses and sharing legislative updates

Working pattern:
Monday to Friday, hybrid working arrangements based in Greater Manchester (initially Stockport, moving to Manchester Science Park in 2026).

• Significant experience handling employee grievances and disciplinary cases
• Proven ability to advise managers and senior leaders on complex ER issues
• Ability to take accurate notes during hearings and meetings
• Comprehensive knowledge of employment law and relevant legislation
• Experience monitoring and reporting on ER trends to inform policy
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments
• Strong communication skills—both verbal and written
• Analytical thinking and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to build trusted relationships across all levels of the organisation
• High integrity, confidentiality, and impartiality

• CIPD Qualification
• Project management experience

• 26 Days’ Annual Leave + Bank Holidays, increasing with length of service
• Holiday Buy Scheme (up to one additional week per year)
• Birthday Leave – paid day off
• USS Pension Scheme – hybrid defined benefit/defined contribution
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Enhanced Family Leave – maternity, paternity, and adoption from day one
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Season Ticket Loan
• Professional Subscriptions reimbursement
• Learning budget for courses and books
• Free On-Site Gym
• Subsidised Canteen Lunches
• Free Car Parking on-site
• Employee Discounts Portal
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Annual Flu Vaccination
• Life Assurance Cover

The job advert closing date may change. If you are planning to apply, please do so without delay.