Employee Relations Officer

Description
Job Purpose
The Employee Relations Officer will provide specialist employee relations support across the organisation, ensuring all people matters are managed fairly, consistently and in line with employment legislation, company policies and regulatory requirements.
The role will work closely with managers at all levels to manage disciplinary, grievance, capability, attendance, performance and conduct matters, helping to foster a positive employee experience while mitigating organisational risk.
Key Responsibilities
Employee Relations

• Provide first-line and specialist advice to managers on employee relations matters.
• Lead and support disciplinary, grievance, capability and appeal processes.
• Conduct workplace investigations, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses and preparing investigation reports.
• Advise managers on performance management issues and support improvement plans.
• Support managers in addressing conduct, attendance and wellbeing concerns.
• Ensure consistent application of policies and procedures across all services.

Case Management

• Manage a portfolio of employee relations cases from commencement to conclusion.
• Prepare case documentation, letters, outcome reports and recommendations.
• Monitor case progress and identify emerging risks or trends.
• Escalate complex or high-risk cases appropriately.

Attendance and Wellbeing

• Support absence management procedures and occupational health referrals.
• Advise on long-term sickness, disability-related absence and reasonable adjustments.
• Promote employee wellbeing initiatives and best practice.

Manager Support and Training

• Coach managers on effective people management practices.
• Deliver training workshops on employee relations topics, including:
• Disciplinary procedures
• Grievance management
• Difficult conversations
• Attendance management
• Performance management
• Employment law updates

Compliance and Governance

• Ensure compliance with employment legislation in Northern Ireland.
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee records.
• Support preparation for inspections, audits and regulatory reviews.
• Contribute to policy development and policy reviews.
• Ensure GDPR compliance when handling employee information.

Organisational Development

• Analyse employee relations trends and recommend improvements.
• Support employee engagement initiatives.
• Assist with organisational change projects and consultations.
• Promote a positive workplace culture aligned with organisational values.

Person Specification
Essential Criteria
Experience

• Minimum 2 years' experience in an HR or Employee Relations role.
• Experience managing disciplinary, grievance and absence cases.
• Experience conducting workplace investigations.
• Experience advising managers on employment matters.
• Experience maintaining confidential records.

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of employment law in Northern Ireland.
• Knowledge of HR best practice and employee relations principles.
• Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion legislation.
• Understanding of GDPR requirements.

Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong report writing and documentation skills.
• Ability to influence and challenge constructively.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
• High level of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities

Desirable Criteria
Qualifications

• CIPD Level 5 qualification (or working towards)
• Educated to A-Level standard or equivalent.

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