About this role
HR Business Partner - Employee Relations
Robert Half are working with an established UK organisation to recruit an experienced HR Business Partner specialising in employee relations.
This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded HR professional to take ownership of complex people matters, influence management decisions and drive improvements across the HR function. The role combines hands-on case management with business partnering, stakeholder engagement and the development of consistent employee relations practices.
Location: Oxfordshire, with travel to other sites and 1-2 days working from home Hours: 37.5 per week
The Role
Working closely with the Head of HR and operational managers, you will provide expert advice on complex employee relations matters while helping strengthen policies, processes and management capability.
You will play a key role in resolving sensitive workplace issues, managing employment risks and ensuring decisions are fair, proportionate and aligned with UK employment legislation. You will also contribute to wider HR initiatives, support employee consultation and improve the consistency of people management across multiple locations.
This role would suit someone who enjoys a fast-paced, operational environment and can balance technical HR expertise with commercial awareness and practical problem-solving.
Key Responsibilities
Employee Relations and Case Management
Manage complex disciplinary, grievance, capability, conduct, performance and attendance cases from initial advice through to resolution.Lead or support sensitive investigations, ensuring evidence is gathered objectively and recommendations are balanced and well reasoned.Guide managers through formal meetings, hearings and appeals, advising on procedures, potential outcomes and appropriate next steps.Advise on long-term absence, occupational health referrals, reasonable adjustments, flexible working and contractual changes.Ensure cases are handled consistently and in line with employment legislation, internal policies and relevant ACAS guidance.Identify emerging risks and promote early intervention to prevent issues from escalating. Trade Union and Stakeholder Relations
Build effective working relationships with recognised trade unions and employee representatives.Support consultation activity, employee relations meetings and discussions relating to workplace changes.Advise on collective agreements and established working arrangements.Help resolve collective grievances and disputes through constructive dialogue and appropriate escalation.Identify recurring concerns and recommend practical measures to improve working relationships. HR Policy and Continuous Improvement
Review and develop HR policies, procedures, guidance and case-management processes.Promote consistent standards and provide managers with clear, practical guidance.Analyse employee relations trends to identify risks, recurring issues and opportunities for preventative action.Maintain accurate records and reporting to support effective governance and decision-making.Contribute to organisational change, restructuring and wider People projects.Work with senior HR colleagues to improve service delivery and strengthen the overall effectiveness of the HR function. Business Partnering and Team Development
Build trusted relationships with operational managers, providing timely and commercially focused advice.Understand the impact of people decisions on workforce availability, service delivery, safety and business performance.Provide HR support across multiple locations, including site visits where required.Coach managers to handle employee issues confidently and consistently, encouraging early resolution wherever appropriate.Develop HR colleagues through coaching, knowledge-sharing and practical guidance.Oversee day-to-day HR operational activity and deputise for senior HR leadership when required.Collaborate with colleagues across recruitment, employee engagement and wellbeing to support a joined-up approach to workforce management. About You
You will be an experienced HR professional with a strong employee relations background and the confidence to manage sensitive, complex situations independently. You will be comfortable challenging established practices, influencing stakeholders and recommending solutions that balance fairness with commercial priorities.
You will ideally have:
Experience working in a complex, operational or multi-site organisation.A CIPD Level 5 qualification or equivalent professional experience.Strong knowledge of UK employment law and employee relations best practice.Proven experience managing investigations, disciplinary and grievance procedures, capability concerns and absence cases.The ability to interpret policies, assess evidence and exercise sound judgement in challenging situations.Strong stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills.A proactive approach to process improvement, risk management and management development.The resilience to manage competing priorities while maintaining professionalism, confidentiality and attention to detail. The Opportunity
This is an opportunity to make a tangible contribution to management capability, employee relations standards and the effectiveness of a wider HR function. If you are looking for a role combining complex casework, business partnering and continuous improvement, Robert Half would welcome your application.
Robert Half Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. Robert Half is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training. If you wish to apply, please read our Privacy Notice describing how we may process, disclose and store your personal data: