Senior Employee Relations Partner

Role overview

Main responsibilities

• Lead complex, sensitive ER cases and advise on consistent, legally compliant policy and process application.
• Serve as escalation point, coach stakeholders and partner with senior leaders on proactive ER strategy.
• Use data and risk indicators to improve people outcomes, manager capability and employee engagement.
• Develop ER policies, frameworks, governance and manager toolkits; improve case systems, records, processes and reporting.
• Support early intervention and case resolution to reduce legal exposure, operational disruption and financial cost.
• Partner with Trade Unions and employee forums and support organisational change, restructures, consultations and acquisitions.
• Coach ER and HR colleagues, build manager capability and monitor legal and industry developments.
• Contribute to cross-functional initiatives to improve employee experience, culture and business performance.

About you

• Significant senior Employee Relations, HR Business Partner or specialist ER experience in a complex, unionised and fast-paced environment.
• Extensive experience with high-profile and high-risk cases, including disciplinaries, grievances, absence, whistleblowing, organisational change and tribunal preparation.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law, legislation, case law and employee relations best practice.
• Experience influencing senior leaders, working with Trade Unions and developing ER frameworks, policies and governance.
• Strong coaching, stakeholder-management, analytical and influencing skills, with commercial judgement.

Business area

• The role supports Arriva's London UK Bus Operation.