Employee Relations Advisor

Employee Relations Advisor

6 month FTC

Hybrid working (1-2 days per week onsite in Warwick office)

Salary: Circa £55k per annum

Pontoon is an employment consultancy. We put expertise, energy, and enthusiasm into improving everyone's chance of being part of the workplace. We respect and appreciate people of all ethnicities, generations, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, and more. We do this by showcasing their talents, skills, and unique experience in an inclusive environment that helps them thrive. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.

My high profile Utilities client requires an Employee Relations Advisor to act as the first point of contact for managers dealing with employee relations and case management activities. You will play a pivotal role in providing timely and informed advice on a range of HR policies. These include Disciplinary, Code of Employee Conduct, Grievance, Performance Improvement, Discrimination, Bullying & Harassment (DBH), Drugs & Alcohol, and Sickness Absence. You will ensure that cases of gross misconduct are thoroughly investigated and progressed to hearings efficiently.

Key Responsibilities:

• Query Management & Coaching: Provide expert advice and coaching to managers on stages 1 and 2 of disciplinary, performance improvement, absence, grievance, and DBH policies.
• Case Management: Directly manage all Stage 3 disciplinary cases, overseeing the investigation process, ensuring timely progression, and advising on appropriate actions.
• Drugs & Alcohol Policy Support: Offer guidance on the Drugs & Alcohol policy, support testing procedures, and coordinate with external suppliers when necessary.
• Administrative Oversight: Maintain accurate records, ensure compliance with document retention protocols, and support with employment tribunal documentation.
• Training & Policy Development: Facilitate case management training programs and contribute to policy and process improvements.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a key liaison between managers, HR Business Partners, and employees, providing clear and practical advice while ensuring fairness and consistency.

Key Qualifications & Experience:

• Proven experience in a similar HR advisory or case management role, with expertise in dispute resolution and employee relations.
• Thorough understanding of HR policies, including disciplinary procedures, performance improvement, and absence management.
• Strong knowledge of employment legislation and its practical application to case management.
• Ability to manage complex and sensitive cases, offering clear advice while balancing stakeholder interests.
• Skilled in interviewing techniques, investigation processes, and report writing.
• Experience with Drugs & Alcohol testing policies and procedures, as well as ill health retirement and death in service processes.
• Proficient in MS Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), SharePoint, and Outlook.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to manage difficult conversations professionally.
• A proactive, organized, and detail-oriented individual who can handle multiple priorities and deadlines.

If this is of interest, please apply with an up to date CV. If you have not received a response within a 48 hour period, please assume that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion