Employee Relations Specialist

Employee Relations Specialist

Leeds - 37.5 hours per week - £30,000-£32,000 depending on experience 

Hybrid - 2-3 days based from our Leeds office 

Audience Collective is an ambitious group of specialist marketing agencies that connect brands to their audience. Individually and collectively, we provide the boutique service and expertise of an independent, with the resources and full-service capability of a group.

In addition to growing organically, we typically acquire 1 or 2 businesses each year to deepen and widen our capability. This enables us to offer our clients the most comprehensive picture of audiences and the most complete way to connect with them.

Role Summary

We are seeking an Employee Relationship Specialist to work alongside the Head of People & Culture and the wider People team across various locations in the UK. By working collaboratively across our group of agencies, you will build strong stakeholder relationships, act as a trusted advisor and critical friend.

Key Areas Of Responsibility:

Employee Relations & Support:

Offer comprehensive expert advice on guidance on all People policies including employee relations issues, absence, disciplinary actions, grievances, and performance management.

Provide guidance and resolve employee relations matters, building rapport and understanding the unique challenges of each agency & location.

Act as a mediator in conflicts, facilitating resolutions that align with both the company & employee’s interests.

Performance Management:

Coach managers on handling performance-related matters, providing on-site support as needed to tailor development plans and set objectives.

Support the design, implementation, and ongoing management of performance appraisal processes across all sites.

Policy Development & Compliance

Contribute to the development, review, and implementation of People policies and procedures, ensuring that they remain current and aligned with UK employment law.

Ensure on-site People practices comply with employment laws, assisting with the rollout of any policy updates across different agencies.

Data Management & Reporting

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date People records across sites, ensuring data integrity in the HRIS.
• Prepare and analyse People reports to provide insights for decision-making and improvement initiatives.
• Share findings and insights on a location-specific basis to drive targeted improvements.

Project & Initiative Support

• Participate in or lead People projects and initiatives, focusing on company-wide objectives while tailoring approaches for specific agencies.
• Provide support during change management including TUPE initiatives across sites, helping employees and managers/directors understand the impact of changes on their roles and agency.

Competencies

• Confidentiality & Professionalism: Maintain a high level of confidentiality, particularly when handling sensitive employee relations matters.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong ability to build trust and rapport at all levels and influence & challenge leadership decisions.
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt People practices and communication style to meet the unique needs of each agency.
• Organisational Skills: Efficiently manage day to day People priorities across sites while maintaining accurate records and supporting ongoing People initiatives.
• Teamwork & Independence: Work effectively as part of the People team and independently in different settings, demonstrating proactive problem-solving and initiative.

Experience Required

• CIPD Level 5 minimum or equivalent work experience
• Extensive experience in Employee Relations with exposure to multi-site responsibilities a plus.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment laws and People best practices.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS systems.
• Professional People certification (e.g. CIPD) is preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and people management skills

Adevntagous Experiance

• CIPD Level 7 or equivalent work experiance
• Experience of UKVI sponsorship processes and obligations of a sponsorship licence.
• Experience of working in marketing, advertising or creative industries.
• TUPE experience.

Benefits

• 37.5 hours per week
• Hybrid working (2-3 days in the Leeds office)
• 25 days annual leave
• 3 additional days celebration leave
• 4% employer pension contribution
• 3 x Life insurance
• Income protection
• Employee assistance programme
• 24/7 Virtual GP access