Employee Relations Manager
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We are seeking an experienced Employee Relations Manager to join Canary Wharf College Trust (CWC) at an exciting time of growth and transition. The role will initially support leaders across CWC before our three schools join University Schools Trust (UST) as of September 2026, at which point this role will join UST's Central HR Team to support delivery of ER leadership across the organisation.
This is a senior, influential role responsible for leading complex employee relations activities, providing expert advice to Headteachers, Senior Leadership Teams (SLT) and line managers, and embedding consistent, legally compliant ER practice. You will play a key role in shaping a positive employee culture while supporting organisational change and transformation.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the Trust’s subject matter expert for employee relations, providing authoritative advice on complex and high-risk cases
- Lead and manage complex ER casework across the Trust, ensuring consistency, fairness and compliance with employment law
- Line manage and develop the Senior HR Adviser, ensuring delivery of a high-quality ER advisory service
- Advise Headteachers and SLT on capability, disciplinary matters, grievances, change management, restructures and equality-related issues
- Lead statutory consultation processes, including restructures, redundancies and TUPE transfers
- Support preparation for potential Employment Tribunal claims and maintain high standards of ER documentation
- Build and maintain effective relationships with recognised Trade Unions, supporting JCC meetings and collective consultation
- Lead proactive conflict resolution and early intervention approaches, including mediation
- Analyse ER data and trends (disciplinary, grievance, sickness absence) and provide insights and recommendations to senior leaders
- Oversee sickness absence management processes, occupational health referrals, phased returns and formal review cycles
- Lead ER policy development and ensure effective implementation across the Trust
- Develop and deliver ER-focused training for managers (e.g. investigations, conduct, absence management, equality and inclusion)
- Contribute to Trust-wide HR projects and the development of a centralised HR service
About You
You will be an experienced Employee Relations professional with a strong track record of managing complex ER casework and supporting senior leaders in a fast-paced environment, ideally within education or a multi-site organisation.
You will bring:
- In-depth knowledge of UK employment law and ER best practice
- Significant experience handling and prioritising multiple complex disciplinary, grievance, capability and absence cases
- Experience of Trade Union engagement and collective consultation
- Strong coaching and influencing skills with the confidence to challenge appropriately
- Excellent analytical, organisational and communication skills
- A values-led approach with a commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and safeguarding
About Us
Canary Wharf College is a fabulous place to work. In this multicultural school community, pupils and students are well-behaved and motivated with good discipline and supportive families. The staff team are creative and enthusiastic and are committed to providing a high standard of innovative education. Staff development is a key priority, and we boast a unique collaborative approach where, through regular meetings, leaders support all staff to take ownership for their own development. This is completed by providing both high quality guidance and promoting employees to make research-informed decisions, as well as attend tailored internal and external CPD.
Safeguarding Notice
The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful candidates will be subject to enhanced DBS checks and other relevant pre-employment checks. Further information on our safeguarding policy can be found here Safeguarding | Canary Wharf College
Equal Opportunities
Canary Wharf College Trust is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.
We reserve the right to commence or complete the recruitment process prior to the closing date.