Employee Relations Manager Jobs

Are you passionate about creating a positive and productive workplace? 

Employee Relations Manager jobs are an excellent opportunity for HR professionals who thrive on building trust, resolving conflicts, and shaping company culture.

At Stafffinders, we recruit for a wide range of Employee Relations Manager roles across the UK, from fast-growing SMEs to national organisations, helping experienced HR specialists find their next rewarding challenge.

What Does an Employee Relations Manager Do?

An Employee Relations Manager plays a key role in maintaining strong working relationships between management and employees. This role ensures fairness, compliance, and open communication across all areas of the business, helping to create a culture where people feel valued, heard, and motivated to perform at their best.

From handling grievances to advising on employment law, Employee Relations Managers are at the heart of a company’s people strategy, balancing organisational goals with employee wellbeing. Typical responsibilities include:

• Managing employee relations policies and ensuring compliance with employment law and company standards.

• Advising managers on HR best practices, including disciplinary and grievance procedures.

• Conducting workplace investigations and providing expert guidance on conflict resolution.

• Collaborating with HR teams to drive employee engagement and retention initiatives.

• Developing and implementing policies that support fairness and equality.

• Analysing employee feedback and HR data to identify trends and areas for improvement.

• Supporting change management processes and advising on organisational restructuring.

• Leading training sessions for line managers on HR and employee relations matters.

• Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders to support a positive working culture.

This role requires a blend of empathy, professionalism, and confidence in navigating complex HR issues while maintaining balance between employee needs and business objectives.

Skills, Experience and Education

To excel in an Employee Relations Manager job, you’ll need excellent communication skills and a deep understanding of employment law, workplace behaviour, and conflict management. The ability to remain calm under pressure and deliver fair, informed decisions is essential.

Key skills include

• In-depth knowledge of UK employment law and HR policies.

• Proven experience in employee relations, HR management, or labour relations.

• Strong communication, mediation, and negotiation skills.

• The ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion and professionalism.

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Confidence to influence senior leaders and act as a trusted advisor.

• Empathy and a people-first approach to HR.

Employee Relations Managers are natural communicators who can diffuse tension, drive engagement, and foster trust across all levels of the business.

Education and Experience

To secure an Employee Relations Manager job in the UK, you’ll typically need a degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Employment Law, or a related discipline. Employers highly value experience gained in HR roles such as HR Advisor, HR Business Partner, or HR Manager.

Professional qualifications through the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) are often advantageous and demonstrate your expertise in employee relations, employment law, and organisational development.

Attending workshops, seminars, and HR conferences, as well as staying up to date with evolving employment legislation, can help strengthen your skills and keep your knowledge current in this ever-changing field.

Career Progression and Opportunities

A career as an Employee Relations Manager offers a wealth of opportunities for progression within human resources. With experience, you could move into senior roles such as: Head of Employee Relations, HR Business Partner, HR Director and People and Culture Lead.

These positions allow you to shape organisational culture, influence strategic HR policy, and lead large HR teams within major UK employers.

Browse our latest Employee Relations Manager jobs and take the next step in your HR career today.