At Wickes, our people make the difference. We're looking for an experienced Employee Relations Partner to join our ER team, supporting managers across the business with expert advice, practical solutions and a passion for doing the right thing.
Role Purpose:
The Employee Relations Partner focuses on managing and resolving complex, high-risk, or sensitive employee relations (ER) cases. This role is designed for a strategic practitioner who balances expert case resolution (70%) with proactive partnership with HR Business Partners (30%) to provide data-driven insights and organisational support. The Senior Advisor ensures that serious investigations including those with brand or PR implications are handled with integrity and minimised risk.
What you’ll be doing:
- Complex Case Management (70% Capacity)
- High-Risk Resolution: Manage and resolve complex or sensitive ER cases, including those involving Senior Managers or multiple allegations in a single location.
- Investigations: Conduct investigations related to whistleblowing, discrimination, and sexual harassment.
- Conflict Resolution: Facilitate both informal and formal mediation processes to resolve deep-seated workplace conflicts.
- Legal & Litigation Support: Handle settlement agreements and work with ACAS and Tribunals, partnering with third-party legal providers (e.g., VISTA) for defence and responses.
- Policy Leadership: Contribute to the development, review, and implementation of ER policies and handbooks to ensure they reflect current legislation.
- Partnering, Projects & Insights (30% Capacity)
- Strategic Partnering: Partner with HR Business Partners (HRBPs) to provide proactive insights from data and dashboards. Creates dashboards and datasets with meaningful actions for leaders
- Trend Analysis: Analyse ER data and trends to identify emerging risks and recommend proactive solutions to the business.
- Organisational Change SME: Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to HRBPs during complex organisational changes, such as TUPE, relocations, or structural redundancies.
- Manager Upskilling: Develop and deliver advanced training and workshops to upskill managers on ER best practices and legislative changes.
What we’re looking for:
- CIPD Level 5
- Substantive experience in an Employee Relations role
- Retail environment experience; advanced use of ER Case Management systems
- Advanced coaching; complex stakeholder management; data interpretation and presenting MI
- Ability to balance business risk with complex legal requirements
- Expert knowledge of employee policy and UK legislation
- Mediation and tribunal preparation
What can we offer you?
You’ll be supported with fantastic learning and development and have the opportunity to grow and develop your career with us. We also have an early careers network to support you if you’re in your first few years of your career.
We’ll also equip you with a benefits package that includes:
- Competitive bonus
- Save-as-you-earn scheme
- Private Medical and Life Assurance
- Enhanced contributory pension scheme
- Colleague discount
Discount platform including savings and cash back at numerous retailers, savings on gym membership, cycle to work scheme
Our widely recognised wellbeing strategy is something we’re proud of at Wickes. As part of this, we offer a range of health and wellbeing benefits and support, including an Employee Assistance Programme, financial education & loans, and access to parental, menopause and fertility support.
By giving you the support you need to do well at work, and the flexibility to make life work for you. We are giving you a career that doesn’t put your life on hold. Where you can be yourself, do your best work, and make a positive difference every day.
About Us:
Wickes is a multi-channel retailer operating in the home improvement market. With 50 years in industry, Wickes now generates revenue in excess of £1.6bn across 230 stores delivered by 8,000+ colleagues. But it is our culture that is considered our best kept secret; it’s a collaborative, down to earth, fun and inclusive environment where people feel part of a winning team. All our colleagues come from different backgrounds, but what we all have in common is a determination to succeed and a passion for being the best we can be. If that sounds like you, we’ll make you feel right at home.
We aim to create an inclusive workplace with colleagues’ wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.
