Employee Relations Partner

Are you an experienced ER professional ready to do more than manage cases? We're looking for an Employee Relations Partner who can combine outstanding technical ER expertise with the ambition to transform how HR operates. This is an opportunity to take ownership of complex employee relations matters while playing a pivotal role in modernising our HR function, developing best practice and building management capability across a diverse, unionised, multi-site transport business. You'll work closely with our Head of People, operational leaders, trade unions and the wider People team. You'll have the opportunity to shape frameworks, improve processes and influence how we support our people, rather than simply maintaining existing ways of working. If you enjoy solving complex problems, challenging conventional thinking and making a tangible difference, this could be the role for you. About us Go Thames Valley brings together a family of established transport businesses, including Oxford Bus Company, Thames Travel, Carousel Buses, Pulhams, Pearces Coaches and City Sightseeing Oxford. Together, we connect communities across Oxfordshire and the surrounding regions, delivering essential transport services to thousands of passengers. As part of The Go-Ahead Group, we combine strong local identities with the expertise and support of a leading transport organisation. Our people are at the heart of our business. We operate in a fast-paced, operational environment where effective people management, strong employee relations and a positive workplace culture are essential to our success.   What you'll be doing This is a broad, hands-on role with the opportunity to make a genuine impact. You will be comfortable working in the grey areas, confident making decisions without having every answer and brave enough to challenge the status quo. We are looking for someone who doesn't simply maintain existing processes, but questions whether they are fit for purpose and has the credibility to drive meaningful change. Lead on complex employee relations

• Take ownership of complex disciplinary, grievance, capability, absence and conduct cases, providing expert advice and practical solutions.
• Lead investigations and support managers through challenging and sensitive situations.
• Manage employment-law and organisational risks, ensuring fair, consistent and timely outcomes. Shape and develop our ER framework
• Develop and embed a comprehensive employee relations framework, including policies, procedures, guidance and practical management tools.
• Establish consistent standards and promote best practice across our sites.
• Use case trends and data to identify recurring issues and develop preventative solutions. Build strong trade union relationships
• Work closely with recognised trade unions and employee representatives, fostering constructive and professional relationships.
• Support collective consultation, employee relations forums and the resolution of complex industrial relations issues.
• Balance employee interests with operational requirements, promoting constructive dialogue and early resolution. Modernise our HR function
• Partner with the Head of People and the Group to transform and modernise HR processes, ways of working and service delivery.
• Challenge existing practices and introduce more effective, consistent and commercially focused approaches.
• Help develop the HR team's capability, coach colleagues and strengthen the quality of HR support across the business.
• Deputise for the Head of People when required.   Develop management capability
• Coach and empower managers to handle employee relations matters confidently and effectively.
• Develop practical training, guidance and toolkits that make it easier for managers to do the right thing.
• Promote early intervention, accountability and consistent management practice. Make a difference to employee experience
• Work closely with our Engagement & Wellbeing Adviser to turn employee feedback and ER insights into meaningful initiatives.
• Help address underlying workplace issues and promote a positive, inclusive and supportive culture.
• Contribute to wider People initiatives that improve employee experience and organisational effectiveness. What we're looking for We're looking for someone with strong ER expertise, sound judgement and the confidence to influence at all levels. You'll ideally bring:
• Substantial experience in employee relations, including managing complex and high-risk cases independently.
• Proven experience working in a unionised environment, ideally within a large, operational or multi-site organisation.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment legislation, ACAS guidance and employee relations best practice.
• Experience developing policies, procedures, frameworks or management toolkits.
• The ability to build credible relationships with trade unions, senior leaders and frontline managers.
• A proactive yet emotionally intelligent approach to improving processes and driving organisational change.
• Excellent investigation, analytical, communication and influencing skills.
• The confidence to challenge established practices constructively and recommend better ways of working.
• CIPD Level 5 or equivalent practical experience. Experience in transport, logistics, manufacturing or another operational, shift-based environment would be particularly valuable. What makes this opportunity different?
• Real influence: Work directly with the Head of People and help shape the future direction of the HR function.
• Opportunity to build: Develop an ER framework and introduce best practice rather than simply inheriting established processes.
• Variety and complexity: Work across multiple businesses, sites and employee groups in a genuinely operational environment.
• Visible impact: See the difference your work makes to managers, employees and the wider organisation.
• Professional development: Broaden your experience through exposure to senior stakeholders, organisational change and complex employee relations. Statement We want our people to feel respected, supported and able to be themselves at work. Ready to make a difference? Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 (Negotiable)