HR Employee Relations Lead (HR Operations)

UKRI Band F

Full-time (preferred); Part-time considered (minimum 0.8 FTE). Flexible working available.

Closing date: 2nd November 2025

Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire / Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot, Oxon (Hybrid working available)

Job Overview

To provide Employee Relations expert advice and guidance on Employee Relations (ER), HR queries, and ER casework across UKRI. To initiate and lead governance and delivery of a programme or group of significant projects, bringing ER subject matter expertise and using appropriate project management approaches to give assurance that intended HR outcomes are identified and achieved. To deputise for the Head of ER to ensure appropriate levels of support and management are always available to the ER Team.

Key Areas Of Accountability

• HR Leadership Community
• Casework
• Centres, Institutes and Units (CIUs)
• Planning and Organising
• Projects
• Team leadership

About You – Essential Skills / Qualifications / Experience

CIPD membership and/or equivalent relevant professional experience (S)

Line Management experience (S&I)

Demonstrable experience in dealing with complex and challenging HR casework, managing the associated risks and making recommendations to managers and HR on options for resolution. (S&I)

Excellent communication, customer service, stakeholder management, influencing and negotiation skills and experience of effecting change across a complex group of stakeholders. (S&I)

Using a coaching approach, able to apply effective communication, influencing and analytical skills in situations which present significant complexity. (I)

Experience of leading and managing projects, and of supporting coaching others who are supporting projects. (S&I)

Experience of advising on significant Employee Relations activities, including TUPE and organisational change, managing the associated risks and making recommendations to managers and HR on options for resolution. (S&I)

Demonstrable experience of planning and organising service delivery in situations where there is conflicting and competing service demands. (I)

Open to change, continuous improvements and proactive in delivering improved outcomes for customer. (I)

Benefits

• An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
• 30 days annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent)
• Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities
• Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice
• Flexible working options

How To Apply

Applicants are required to provide an up-to-date CV and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the role. Further information on how to apply is listed on our careers page.