Employee Relations Manager

Location: London (Hybrid)

Reports to: HR Director, Business Partners and Talent Management

Salary: up to £80,000 (possible slight flex DOE)

About the business

Middlemore are supporting a global specialist insurance provider, pioneering technology-driven solutions that help clients stay ahead of emerging risks. With a culture built on collaboration, innovation and accountability, the business is proud to deliver excellent outcomes for their clients and our people alike.

With offices in the UK, US, Canada and Australia, and a presence in over 80 countries, this organisation continues to expand rapidly – and we’re looking for exceptional people to grow with us.

About the Role

We are seeking a proactive and highly knowledgeable Employee Relations Manager to join our People Team. This role will act as the first line of response for employee relations (ER) matters across the business globally, with a primary focus on the UK and US.

You’ll work in close partnership with HR Business Partners to support leaders in managing a wide range of ER cases and advising on best practice. This is a hands-on role requiring strong employment law expertise, sound judgement and a proactive approach to de-escalating and resolving ER matters before they become formal.

This role offers the opportunity to shape the organisations ER approach globally and play a key role within a high-performing and collaborative People Team.

Key Responsibilities;

Employee Relations

• Act as the first point of contact for all ER matters, both informal and formal, across the UK and US.
• Provide expert advice to managers on a wide range of issues including conduct, capability, absence, grievances and disciplinary matters.
• Support and coach managers on informal resolution and performance conversations to minimise escalation.
• Work in partnership with HR Business Partners to ensure ER matters are managed fairly and consistently, in line with the company values, policies and relevant employment legislation.
• Monitor ER trends and identify opportunities for proactive intervention, policy updates or manager training.
• Provide risk-based advice that supports both employee experience and commercial outcomes.

Global Compliance & Best Practice

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of employment law in the UK and US, ensuring consistent and compliant advice is provided in each jurisdiction.
• Support the development and implementation of ER policies and guidance across multiple geographies.
• Deliver learning and development sessions for line managers to improve confidence and capability in handling people matters.

People Partnering Support

• Collaborate with HR Business Partners on people plans, structural changes and people-related projects.
• Support delivery of HR change initiatives such as restructures, acquisitions or culture and engagement programmes.
• Assist in the facilitation of performance and talent review cycles, contributing insights from an ER perspective.

What You’ll Bring

• Significant experience in managing complex ER matters, ideally in fast-paced or high-growth environments
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and practical experience managing cases in the US
• Ability to assess risk, apply employment law and offer practical, business-aligned solutions.
• Experience supporting organisational change including restructures, mergers or TUPE transfers.
• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to advise and challenge constructively at all levels.
• Analytical approach with experience in identifying ER trends and using data to inform decisions.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism and confidentiality when handling sensitive issues.
• CIPD qualification or equivalent experience (desirable).
• Background in the financial services or technology sectors (preferred but not essential)

If this is something of interest and you have the above experience, please apply directly!