Interim ER Manager

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Interim Employee Relations Manager to join our client for a period of 6 months to lead and shape a proactive, high-quality ER service within a complex, unionised environment. This role is central to ensuring the organisation maintains positive industrial relations, manages risk effectively, and supports a culture of fairness, inclusion, and accountability. You will be responsible for delivering expert advice on a wide range of employee relations matters, from individual casework through to large-scale organisational change. Working closely with senior leaders, HR colleagues, and trade union representatives, you will play a pivotal role in influencing outcomes and maintaining strong relationships across the organisation.

This role requires 3 days a week onsite in central London, with 2 days working from home.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead on complex employee relations cases, including disciplinary, grievance, capability, and investigations
• Provide expert, pragmatic advice to senior stakeholders on employment law, policy, and best practice
• Develop and maintain constructive relationships with recognised trade unions, leading consultation and negotiation processes
• Support organisational change programmes, including restructures and TUPE where appropriate
• Identify trends and risks within ER activity and drive continuous improvement initiatives
• Coach and upskill HR colleagues and line managers to build confidence and capability in managing people issues
• Ensure policies and procedures remain compliant, up-to-date, and aligned with organisational values

You will be an experienced employee relations professional who thrives in a complex, fast-paced environment. You will bring:

• Proven experience in a senior ER role within a complex, preferably public sector or similarly regulated environment
• Strong experience working with trade unions, including consultation and negotiation
• In-depth knowledge of UK employment law and its practical application
• Demonstrable experience handling complex and sensitive cases with sound judgement
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills
• The ability to balance operational delivery with a strategic, forward-thinking approach
• CIPD qualification (Level 5 minimum; Level 7 desirable) or equivalent experience

Please get in touch ASAP if you would like to be considered for this role.