Employee Relations Advisor

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and confident HR Officer to join a leading Leeds-based client. This is a hands-on, Employee Relations-focused HR role where you will provide practical advice, guidance, and coaching to managers across a large workforce and multiple sites. The role has a strong focus on Employee Relations, absence management, performance, conduct, and policy, supporting managers through a range of people-related matters and ensuring cases are handled consistently, fairly, and in line with employment legislation and company procedures.

You will also contribute to wider HR activity including recruitment, engagement, talent management, and HR projects, making this an excellent opportunity for a proactive HR professional who enjoys working closely with people and managers. The role is fully office/site based, and you must be able to drive.

Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted HR partner to managers, providing practical advice, coaching, and guidance across all areas of HR.
• Take a lead role in Employee Relations, supporting and advising managers on disciplinary, grievance, capability, conduct, and performance matters.
• Manage and advise on complex and sensitive employee relations cases, ensuring appropriate processes are followed and documentation is accurate and compliant.
• Support managers with absence and attendance management, including long-term and short-term absence, return-to-work processes, and appropriate interventions.
• Provide guidance on performance management, capability, and employee conduct, helping managers address issues proactively and fairly.
• Ensure HR policies and procedures are consistently applied across the business and provide advice on their interpretation and implementation.
• Build strong relationships with managers and employees, acting as a credible and approachable point of contact for HR matters.
• Support employee engagement initiatives and identify opportunities to improve the employee experience.
• Contribute to key HR projects and initiatives across the business.
• Support recruitment, talent management, succession planning, L&D, and coaching initiatives where required.
• Maintain accurate HR records and ensure all activity is handled in line with employment legislation and company policy.

Requirements

• CIPD Level 5 qualified or 4+ years' hands-on experience within a decision-making HR role.
• Strong, demonstrable experience in Employee Relations and case management.
• Experience managing disciplinary, grievance, absence, performance, and capability matters.
• Confident advising and challenging managers, with the ability to handle difficult and sensitive conversations professionally.
• Experience working within a fast-paced, operational environment, ideally manufacturing, retail, or a similar setting.
• Strong coaching and influencing skills, with the ability to build credibility and positive relationships at all levels.
• Good knowledge of HR policies, procedures, and UK employment legislation.
• Excellent communication, organisation, and problem-solving skills.
• Full UK driving licence and ability to travel between sites on a weekly basis.