Colleague Relations Manager

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Colleague Relations Manager. This role is based at our head office in Portsmouth. The role offers hybrid working with a minimum of two days in the office. The office has great amenities with onsite parking and a lakeside shuttle bus service. 

We’re offering a permanent full-time role working 39 hours per week.

We are seeking an individual to provide expert and proactive case management of colleague related issues that encourages and enables line managers across our End-of-Life & Head Office divisions to take accountability to resolve cases in line with employment legislation and Southern Co-operative society policy. 

What we’re looking for

Your day-to-day tasks will include:

• Provide pragmatic and timely advice on all Colleague Relations cases; disciplinary, grievance, appeal, and investigation meetings, and ensure they are completed in a timely fashion. Coach and influence line managers to ensure the appropriate outcome is achieved in each case.
• Manage ACAS conciliation and Employee Tribunal claims, organising case reviews, preparing documents, and providing risk assessments and recommendation for resolution.
• Manage employee consultation, redeployment, or termination of employment through TUPE and redundancy exercises. Liaise with recognised Trade union representatives on any changes as appropriate.
• Contribute to regular reviews and amend employment policies in line with changes to employment legislation and ACAS codes of Practice. Assist in communicating changes and updates to line managers.
• Attend high risk and/or complex hearings and meetings, to advise and take notes.
• In liaison with the Academy Manager provide formal training and tools to line managers to improve capability in managing Colleague Relations issues
• Make recommendations to further improve the Society’s approach to managing all Colleague Relations cases.
• Co-ordinate an effective Critical Incident Support (CIS) intervention programme for colleagues; act as key contact to deploy CIS and track and monitor the effectiveness of the model. Make recommendations on further support required by teams/ individuals.

Key skills required

• Experience as a HR Generalist is essential
• Experience of a commercial, fast-paced environment, ideally multi-site, with some exposure to working in a corporate / head office
• In depth knowledge of employment legislation and its’ application
• Resilient and confident managing high volume, complex workloads in a fast-paced environment
• Confident communicator with excellent coaching & influencing skills at all levels
• Commercially aware
• Demonstrates a flexible approach to problem solving and has good judgement
• Able to plan and prioritise effectively, comfortable working with changing priorities.

Essential Qualification

• CIPD Qualification (or studying)

Company Benefits

At Southern Co-op we offer a lot more than just a job. As we are completely owned by our 127,000+ members, we put people first. Become part of the family with Southern Co-op, who are proud to serve local communities and put people first.

We can offer you:

• 34 days of annual leave (incl bank holidays) increasing over time to a maximum of 39 days after 5 years’ service.
• 10% discount in stores (double discount on payday weekends)
• Private medical insurance
• Critical illness insurance
• Group life assurance
• Share incentive plan
• NEST pension
• Hybrid working
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Opportunities to develop your skills through apprenticeships and our own in-house training & development programmes

Referral Scheme

Refer a successful candidate and both parties will be rewarded with a £50 voucher.
The referee will need to provide the referrers name, colleague number and store location when submitting an application.