Employee Relations Lead

Relay is fundamentally reshaping how goods move in an online era. Backed by Europe's largest-ever logistics Series A ($35M) led by deep-tech investors Plural, and a recently closed Series B ($95M), Relay is scaling faster than 99% of venture-backed startups. We're assembling the most talent-dense team the logistics industry has ever seen Relay's Mission is to free commerce from friction. Today, high delivery costs act as a hidden tax on e-commerce, quietly shaping what can be sold online and limiting who can participate. We envision a world where more goods move more freely between more people, making the online shopping experience seamless and accessible to everyone. THE TEAM

• ~160 people, around half in engineering, product and data
• 45+ advanced degrees across computer science, mathematics and operations research
• Thousands of data points captured, calculated, analysed and predicted for every single parcel we handle
• An intellectually vibrant culture of first‑principles thinking, tight feedback loops and relentless experimentation What you'll do
• Own complex ER cases end to end, including grievances, disciplinary and conduct matters, ensuring fair investigations, clear outcomes and strong case records.
• Advise and coach site managers so they can confidently handle lower-level employee relations issues themselves.
• Manage legal risk, including early conciliation, tribunal preparation and external employment counsel where required.
• Build and improve ER processes, using case data and recurring themes to strengthen policies, escalation routes, training and early-warning indicators.
• Create a scalable ER framework that can be applied consistently across existing and new sites and stays aligned with employment law changes.
• Be highly visible on site, building trust with operatives and managers and helping sites prepare proactively for peak periods and increased case volumes. Who Will Thrive in This Role?
• Strong end-to-end ER case management experience across grievances, disciplinary and conduct matters
• Good working knowledge of UK employment law, including early conciliation and tribunal preparation
• Experience in high-volume, multi-site operational environments
• Strong, calm communication skills, particularly in sensitive or conflict situations
• Experience improving ER processes and using case data to identify and communicate risk
• Comfortable travelling to sortation centres around 1–2 days per week Desirable
• Experience supporting flexible, agency, contractor or platform-based workforces
• CIPD Level 5+ or equivalent employment law expertise Who Thrives at Relay?
• Aim with Precision: You define problems clearly and measure your impact meticulously.
• Play to Win: You chase bold bets, tackle the hard stuff, and view constraints as fuel, not friction.
• 1% Better Every Day: You believe that small, consistent improvements lead to exponential growth. You move quickly, deliver results, and learn from every experience.
• All In, All the Time: You show up and step up. You take ownership from start to finish and do what it takes to deliver when it counts.
• People-Powered Greatness: You invest in your teammates. You give and receive feedback with care and candour. You build trust through high standards and shared success.
• Grow the Whole Pie: You seek out win-win solutions for merchants, couriers, and our customers, because when they thrive, so do we.
• If these resonate, and you combine strong technical fundamentals with entrepreneurial drive, let's connect. Relay is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and fostering a workplace where everyone thrives.