Employee Relations Lead

The ESF Human Resources function is committed to pioneering best practices across the entire human resources spectrum. To that end ESF seeks to appoint an employee relations lead reporting to the Director of Human Resources. This is a unique opportunity to be at the heart of a dynamic education organisation. This role will have a lasting impact on shaping ESFs and positively impact the next generation.

This human resources professional role will assist and support in managing the Employee Relations portfolio at ESF oversees the resolution of internal escalations and investigations. The successful candidate will maintain and promote a positive work environment provide human resources guidance to managers and leaders foster employee engagement promote and ensure fair and equitable treatment of all employees and champion HR best practices.

The employee relations lead will assist in the management and resolution of ad hoc human resources questions and issues working in collaboration with school leaders to facilitate the smooth interface between ESF and employees. The successful candidate will balance their time between planned projects and reactive situations partnering with school leadership and HR teams to create and sustain a positive employee experience.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations

• Lead the endtoend resolution of internal escalations and investigations ensuring outcomes that are timely fair and in adherence to ESFs values internal policies and service standards.

• Be a trusted advisor and facilitator to ESF employees managers and key stakeholders.

• Assist the ESF HR Director with providing guidance and advice to all schools while staying true to ESFs vision mission goals and policies.

• Provide human resources advice and guidance to leaders and managers on policies grievance and discipline management terminations and leaver administration.

• Prepare and maintain case files for claims made with the Labour Tribunal and/or other government bodies working with external counsel as needed.

• Attend cases at the Labour Tribunal and/or other government bodies.

• Ensure all employee relations cases are managed in compliance with Hong Kong Law.

• Maintain strict confidentiality professionalism and integrity in all interactions and documentation.

• Ensure ESF HR deliverables are in compliance with legal regulatory and ethical standards of the required quality in adherence to ESFs values internal policies and service standards.

Training and development

• Create prepare and present at workshops to drive ESFs people and culture agenda.

• Deliver training and coaching to ESF Staff members to strengthen proactive conflict management and support continuous professional development

Special Projects/ Change Initiative

• Champion and drive change and special projects.

• Advise managers and leaders on effective change management strategies and the deployment of change.

• Review and enhance HR policies processes and programs to better support ESF staff members

• Prepare presentations and data/insights analysis working with other ESF HR personnel and stakeholders as required.

Requirement

• Bachelors degree in Human Resources Law or a related field. Masters degree ideal.

• Excellent consultative negotiation analytical and influencing skills.

• Confident in decision-making and providing human resources advice and counsel.

• Ability to work both independently and within cross-functional teams.

• Creative problem solver who is solutions focused with a bias for action.

• Adaptable flexible open-minded and collaborative management approach.

• Ability to interpret legal provisions policies and procedures.

• Proven ability to operate effectively in ambiguity and work effectively in a culturally diverse workplace.

• Consultative approach with sensitivity and knowledge of diversity equality and inclusion.

• Strong business/organisational knowledge and savvy.

• Solid understanding of a client-facing HR business partner service mode.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English with the ability to compose a variety of correspondence and professional reports.

• Experience with human resources systems (such as Oracle SAP Workday) with a high level of technical skill in Excel Google Analytics BI etc.

• Experience with Labour Tribunals and/or similar government bodies.

• Knowledge of Hong Kong labor laws and regulations is essential.

For enquiries please contact Karen Ng @ or Email:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and offers may be extended prior to the job closing date. We strongly recommend early applications as we reserve the right to appoint candidates earlier than the closing date.

By applying for this position your application may be considered for other opportunities (senior-level roles head of department etc.) within ESF.

ESF is an Equal Opportunities Employer

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is fully committed to providing equal employment opportunities. ESF will not discriminate on the basis of age race colour gender marital status sexual orientation gender identity pregnancy national origin religion veteran status physical or mental disability genetic information creed citizenship or any other status protected by local laws or regulations.

Personal data provided by job applicants will be used strictly in accordance with the ESFs Personal Data Policy a copy of which will be provided upon request.

ESF is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students in our care and expects all applicants to uphold this commitment. We adhere to rigorous recruitment practices with all appointments contingent upon an interview identity verification criminal background checks (including ICPC SCRC and other international background checks as appropriate) assessment of social media presence and positive references.

In accordance with the Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025 guidelines ESF may perform online checks for all shortlisted candidates prior to the interview.

About Us

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is the largest English-medium international school organisation in Hong Kong. Our 22 schools and comprehensive programme of extra-curricular activities bring out the best in every student through a personalised approach to learning and by inspiring curious minds.

There are over 18000 students from 75 different nationalities in ESF kindergartens primary secondary and all-through schools.

About the Team

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is a modern well-managed educational organisation committed to offering an international education to students drawn from over 70 countries. We are proud to be at the forefront of the educational hub in Hong Kong. We actively take advantage of the opportunities that Hong Kong offers as Asias world city and the principal gate-way to China.

The curriculum leading to the International Baccalaureate is adapted to Hong Kong and the Asia Pacific region. ESFs 1100 teachers are highly qualified bringing with them experience from Australia Canada New Zealand the United States the UK and many other international school systems. All schools offer a broad range of out-of-school activities in Hong Kong and overseas.

ESF has over 18000 students. Our culture is one of joy in learning and pride in achievement. The great majority of our students study for the IB Diploma and gain entry to universities all over the world. ESF has a long-standing commitment to children with individual needs and is the principal provider for English-speaking children with special educational needs in Hong Kong. For further details about ESF please visit our website at