Summary: The Employee Relations Manager - Contract (12 months) will play a crucial role within the Human Resources Business Partnering team at Baker McKenzie, providing strategic employee relations advice and managing risks associated with employment issues. This position involves collaboration with various teams, including Talent and Risk, to support the firm's strategic people priorities. The role requires a solutions-focused approach to navigate complex employment matters while ensuring compliance with legal standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as a trusted adviser to Partners, managers, and HR Business Partners, providing strategic advice on sensitive employment issues.
• Advise on general employment law queries and support the management of employment-related litigation.
• Lead case management of formal grievances and disciplinary processes, conducting investigations as needed.
• Collaborate with the General Counsel & Risk team on regulatory reporting obligations.
• Develop and implement people policies and guidelines, ensuring a fair application across the business.
• Deliver employment and policy-related training for the Talent function and wider firm.
• Support various local, regional, and global people projects and initiatives.
• Draft and update contracts and key templates as required.
• Maintain records of budget expenditure for external legal advisers.
• Coach and mentor junior members of the Talent team and lead ad hoc project work.

Key Skills:

• Experienced Employee Relations specialist at Manager Level or qualified lawyer with PQE in employment law.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire trust and influence others.
• Methodical and detail-oriented with a pragmatic approach to advice.
• Able to identify issues and anticipate requirements and consequences.
• Strong client service ethos and delivery focus.
• Subject matter expert in employee relations and HR legislation.
• Excellent influencing and presentation skills for senior-level credibility.
• In-depth knowledge of HR principles, policies, and procedures.
• Strong diagnostic and analytic skills with good judgment.
• Collaborative approach to achieve team success.

Salary (Rate): undetermined

City: Belfast

Country: United Kingdom

Working Arrangements: hybrid

IR35 Status: undetermined

Seniority Level: undetermined

Industry: Other