Employee Relations Manager (Fixed Term Contract)

About the role... Are you an employee relations specialist looking to shape strengthen and embed strategy in a dynamic environment Were looking for an Employee Relations Manager to join us on an FTC basis until June 2027. Working closely with thePeople Business PartnersCentresof Excellence and senior leaders youll provideexpert guidance lead on complex and high-risk ER activity and help drive a consistentproactiveand commercially balanced ER service across CP. As an Employee Relations Manager youll bring strong technical ERexpertise confidence in managing complex employee relations matters and the ability to coach and influence managers at all seeking someone who can hit the ground runningprovidecredible advice from day one mentor and line manage others in the team and help build ER capability across CP. A key part of the role will be toidentifyrisk build manager capability develop practical ER frameworks use data to spot themes and improvements and ensure our approachremainsaligned to CPs culturevaluesand employment obligations. This is an extremely varied role with a broad remit with responsibilities including; Employee Relations: Act as a senior point of contact for managers and leadersprovidingexpert advice on complex ER matters including grievances disciplinaries performance sickness absence capability restructures visa-relatedconsiderationsand sensitive workplace issues. Lead and oversee investigations into complaints workplaceincidentsor breaches of policy ensuring fair thorough legallyrobustandtimelyoutcomes. Provide clear advice and guidance on ER outcomes sanctions and risk mitigation ensuring CP meets its obligations as an employer. Work with our Occupational health provider or other specialist support providers when with our internal teams to understand workplace needs assessments and reasonable adjustment plans. Analyse trends in employee relationsidentifyroot causes and recommend proactive interventions that improve manager capability reduceriskand support a positive colleague experience. Advise and support in any acquisitions and the required processin accordance withlegislation. Manager Training and Development: Design develop and deliver practical ER training for managers and leaders building capability in effective employee relations practice conflict resolution difficultconversationsand HR compliance. Coach challenge and guide managers to ensure they handle difficult conversations performance reviews disciplinaryprocessesand other ER activity confidentlyconsistentlyand empathetically. Regularly update training materials to reflect any changes in HR policies or legal requirements. Policy& Process Updates: Monitor employment legislation case law regulatoryupdatesand best practice translating changes into clear practical guidance for the People Team HRBPs and managers. Lead on the review and improvement of ER policies procedures templates and training materials ensuring they are clear compliantconsistentand easy for managers to use. Communication& Relationships: Build strong relationships withPeopleBPs senior leaders and managers across service lines ensuring they are regularly updated on cases themesrisksand recommended actions. Work closely with thePeopleBPsto ensure ER outcomes are applied consistently across all service lines. Lead and/or support ER-related projects and initiatives working collaboratively with People specialismsPeopleBPs and external advisors to deliver high-quality outcomes. Mentor support and line manage others in the ER teamprovidingday-to-day guidance case coaching qualityassuranceand development support to build capability and confidence. Work closely with our employment law advisors in the UK and overseas(South Africa & the Philippines)to ensure we are compliant with legislationand provide updates and recommendations for any upcoming legislative changes. Reporting and Analysis: Track analyse and interpret employee relations data & provide insightful reports and trends including grievance trends disciplinary activity sickness absence case duration outcomes risklevelsand colleague feedback to strengthen ER practice. Continuous Improvement: Stay up to date with ER employmentlawand HR best practice sharing insight and recommendations that keep CP ahead of risk and aligned to future ways of working. Lead continuous improvement across ER processes policies governance reporting and systems using feedbackdataand best practice to simplify activity and improve the colleague and manager experience. About you... At Cooper Parry were in it together. All we ask of our people is that they play all in. Youll continuously strive to keep learning whether youre a trainee or a Partner and youll be brave stepping out of your comfort zone to tackle new challenges. Above all be nice. A simple notion but an irreplaceable part of what makes CP addition to the above the ideal candidate will also have Strong technical ERexpertisewith the confidence to advise on complexsensitiveand high-risk cases Commercial solution-focused mindset with sound judgement and a balanced approach to risk Ability to influence coach and challenge managers and senior stakeholders with credibility Proven ability to mentor develop and line manage others setting clear expectations and supporting high-quality ER delivery Able to work at paceprioritiseeffectively and manage multiple complex casesprojectsand stakeholder needs High resiliencediscretionand professionalism when handling confidential and sensitive matters About us... Weve been dubbed the rebels of accountancy. Were straight-talking. Never afraid to share our opinions. We put people and relationships before products and services and deliver a streamlined client-focused service free from unnecessary red tape. Check out our recent achievements: Best Companies No.1 Accountancy Firm & No.30 Best Large Company to Work For in the UK Became B Corp Certified in 2023 and were still the UKs largest accountancy B Corp measuring and improving our impact beyond business for a brighter tomorrow Achieved 5 awards at the Inspiring Workplace Awards in 2025: winner in the Large Business category and best in class for inspiring People & Culture Wellbeing Inclusion and Employee Experience Whats in it for you Our people are the beating heart of our culture. We know that if you love working here and youre given the trust and autonomy to work in a way that best suits you youll produce amazing results. Thats why we offer things like: A flexible approach to work - balancing working from home in office or with clients A generous holiday entitlement An enhanced parental leave policy An enhanced pension scheme No dress code just wear something! A multi-award-winning wellbeing offering to support your physical mental spiritual and financial health Volunteering opportunities to work closer with local communities and charities Cooper Parry social/sports clubs Feeling supported and welcomed is such a big part of bringing your whole self to work. As an equal opportunities employer well work with you to ensure you have everything you need to develop your skills and achieve your best. Get in touch if you have any questions about our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion or about accessibility/accommodations during your application process. For the attention of agencies - unsolicited CVs will not be honoured. We will only accept CV submissions for roles briefed to you by our Talent Acquisition team. #LI-MH1
Weve been dubbed the rebels of accountancy. Were straight-talking. Never afraid to share our opinions. We put people and relationships before products and services and deliver a streamlined client-focused service free from unnecessary red tape. Check out our recent achievements: Best Companies No.1 Accountancy Firm & No.30 Best Large Company to Work For in the UK Became B Corp Certified in 2023 and were still the UKs largest accountancy B Corp measuring and improving our impact beyond business for a brighter tomorrow Achieved 5 awards at the Inspiring Workplace Awards in 2025: winner in the Large Business category and best in class for inspiring People & Culture Wellbeing Inclusion and Employee Experience Whats in it for you Our people are the beating heart of our culture. We know that if you love working here and youre given the trust and autonomy to work in a way that best suits you youll produce amazing results. Thats why we offer things like: A flexible approach to work - balancing working from home in office or with clients A generous holiday entitlement An enhanced parental leave policy An enhanced pension scheme No dress code just wear something! A multi-award-winning wellbeing offering to support your physical mental spiritual and financial health Volunteering opportunities to work closer with local communities and charities Cooper Parry social/sports clubs Feeling supported and welcomed is such a big part of bringing your whole self to work. As an equal opportunities employer well work with you to ensure you have everything you need to develop your skills and achieve your best. Get in touch if you have any questions about our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion or about accessibility/accommodations during your application process. For the attention of agencies - unsolicited CVs will not be honoured. We will only accept CV submissions for roles briefed to you by our Talent Acquisition team. #LI-MH1
At Cooper Parry were in it together. All we ask of our people is that they play all in. Youll continuously strive to keep learning whether youre a trainee or a Partner and youll be brave stepping out of your comfort zone to tackle new challenges. Above all be nice. A simple notion but an irreplaceable part of what makes CP addition to the above the ideal candidate will also have Strong technical ERexpertisewith the confidence to advise on complexsensitiveand high-risk cases Commercial solution-focused mindset with sound judgement and a balanced approach to risk Ability to influence coach and challenge managers and senior stakeholders with credibility Proven ability to mentor develop and line manage others setting clear expectations and supporting high-quality ER delivery Able to work at paceprioritiseeffectively and manage multiple complex casesprojectsand stakeholder needs High resiliencediscretionand professionalism when handling confidential and sensitive matters