Employee Relations Specialist

Summary

• Employee Relations Specialist:  Group People Policies & Processes
• Based at any of our Airports – Manchester, East Midlands or Stansted
• Flexible/Hybrid Working

Why MAG?

At MAG we provide the airport facilities and travel services that people need to connect with the world. As the largest UK owned airport operator, we serve over 60 million passengers a year from Manchester, London Stansted, and East Midlands Airports. With over 270 destinations across the globe, our businesses not only bring people together but also support the prosperity of the regions in which we operate.

 

Sustainability is one of our core values, and it shapes everything we do. We're committed to protecting the environment and supporting our local communities.  Our programmes include airport and airline decarbonisation, comprehensive education, skills and employment support and community engagement initiatives including volunteering opportunities.

 

At MAG, we recognise creating a first-class journey for our customers starts by creating a first-class career journey for our colleagues and we are committed to building inclusive environments in which our people can thrive. You’ll also have access to some great benefits including:

 

• Bonus scheme
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Free parking
• Subsidised public transport
• Huge range of company discounts

The role

As an Employee Relations (ER) Specialist, you will be responsible for developing and maintaining the Group People Policies, processes and toolkits, ensuring they are modern, legally compliant and support our diverse workforce.  You will take the lead on managing the external 3rd party relationship for our Group wide ER Case Management System. Working in close partnership with key stakeholders, you will provide expert ER advice, guidance and support to a wide range of organisational and transformational change activities, ensuring we support both our people and business objectives in addition to leading on projects relating to ER in support of the wider People function.

 

You will partner closely with People Partners to anticipate and advise on potential ER issues, support business-specific initiatives and help to shape a tailored ER strategy. You’ll be expected to research, develop, and present proposals and recommendations aimed at improving, updating, or changing employment policies and practices. This involves conducting external benchmarking and keeping abreast with employment law changes and working with business stakeholders to identify areas for enhancement, continuous improvement, and ensuring best practice in employee relations. You’ll collaborate with Trade Unions, Internal Comms, Local People Teams, Colleague Communities and other groups, to implement any changes and monitor compliance and success.

 

A core part of the role will involve managing the policy governance framework, ensuring that policies, toolkits and the ER Case Management system are effectively developed, applied and reviewed, while overseeing risk management and the handling of exceptions. You will also support the Associate Director of Industrial Relations with group-wide trade union engagement activities, including meetings and documentation, as well as contributing to initiatives relating to modern slavery.

What will make you successful in the role?

You’ll bring strong experience in handling a wide range of ER cases, from grievances and disciplinaries to absence and harassment, with the ability to balance the needs of both colleagues and line managers. With in-depth knowledge of HR policy application and development, you’ll be confident in introducing fresh ideas and innovative approaches that support business growth. You’ll also have proven experience delivering ER within change programmes, ideally in a trade unionised environment, and a solid understanding of employment law.  Ability to be able to operate both tactically and strategically, using both internal and external insights.

 

CIPD qualified (minimum level 5), you’ll combine strong technical knowledge with excellent IT skills and a genuine interest in continuous development. You’ll be equally comfortable working collaboratively or independently, bringing a high-energy, can-do attitude to everything you do. Resilient and tenacious, you’ll thrive in a fast-paced environment where you can multitask, prioritise effectively, and deliver at pace. With strong project management skills, an enjoyment in problem-solving, excellent communication and attention to detail, you’ll be confident engaging with stakeholders at all levels and making a real impact.

 

While this role can be based at any of our three airports, regular travel to Manchester would be required if based at another site.

 

 

Equal Opportunities & Reasonable Adjustments

 

At MAG we believe in the importance of diversity & inclusion for all. We are committed to creating a workforce that is reflective of our society. As such we welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

 

We’re also committed to well-being with a focus on mental health and supporting colleagues from underrepresented groups through our Colleague Resource Groups.

 

As a Disability Confident employer we are committed to creating an environment where candidates and employees can perform at their optimum. Please let us know if we can provide you with any reasonable adjustments to aid your application or interview process.

 

You can contact the team by emailing HR.Recruitment@MAGAirports.com

 

Our Colleague Resource Groups include: Women’s Network, Embrace - Race & Ethnicity Group, Fly With Pride (LGBTQIA+), Mental Health, Parent & Carers, Disabilities including neurodiversity