Employee Relations Manager

The University of Cambridge is one of the foremost global Universities and widely recognised as a renowned centre for research, education, and scholarship. We employ more than 13,000 staff, approximately half of whom are academic or research staff and the other half are professional services staff. The Department of Engineering is the largest department in the University of Cambridge, representing approximately 10% of the University's activities by the majority of common metrics, and is one of Europe's largest integrated engineering departments.  It is accommodated on two sites; one in central Cambridge and four satellite buildings in West Cambridge.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Department of Engineering's existing HR team to deliver a high quality and responsive centre of expertise in case management and investigations. You will be based at the Department's site in Central Cambridge as a specialist for advising on formal employee relations matters and you will work closely with a wide range of individuals and experienced professionals internally to the Department and as part of the Central University, particularly Legal Services, HR Business Partners, and the Policy, EDI, and L&D teams.

Reporting to the Departmental Head of HR, the Employee Relations Manager will be responsible for managing and supporting a portfolio of formal employee relations cases from commissioning through to resolution. You will provide advice, coaching and innovative solutions in line with the University's policies. You will also proactively identify, develop and deliver continuous improvements to service delivery, support policy development and contribute to interventions to promote good employee relations. This will include the coordination and promotion of the internal Mediation and Facilitated Discussion Service to encourage early informal dispute resolution.

The successful candidate will need:

• A comprehensive and up-to-date understanding and practical application of employment law with significant experience in dealing with complex high-risk employee relations cases in a large complex organisation;
• Effective communication, coaching and influencing skills with a collaborative approach able to quickly build good working relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders at all levels;
• An analytical and innovative mindset with sound judgement and problem-solving skills;
• Experience of developing and implementing processes and improvement initiatives;
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and manage cases in a timely manner;
• Resilient and confident in dealing with ambiguity and risk;
• Line management experience.

The University of Cambridge is committed to supporting our staff to thrive both professionally and personally. We aim to support a good work/life balance, whilst retaining the positive aspects of our unique in-person environment and culture. Elements of this role are suitable for hybrid working, where staff can split their time between in-person collaboration and remote working. The frequency of the remote elements of the role can be discussed with the line manager.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 18 months in the first instance.

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter in the Upload section of the online application.

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