Employee Relations Business Partner - #2149013

Employee Relations Business Partner

Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) & Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS)

Location: Hybrid working across Manchester city centre (Tootal Building) and Swinton HQ
Contract: 12-month Temporary Contract
Pay Rate: £24.15 - £26.43 per hour (PAYE)

Greater Manchester is undergoing one of the most exciting periods of transformation in local government. With strong links to central government, a new Mayoral administration, and ambitious plans for the future, this is an opportunity to play a key role in shaping the people agenda across two high-profile public sector organisations.

We're seeking an experienced Employee Relations Business Partner to join a busy and highly influential People team supporting both the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.

This is a varied role combining complex employee relations casework with strategic business partnering, organisational change, policy development and stakeholder engagement. You'll work closely with managers and senior leaders to provide expert advice, build capability and help create positive, high-performing workplace cultures across a diverse organisation.

The Role

As an Employee Relations Business Partner, you'll be a trusted advisor to managers and leaders, supporting them through a wide range of people challenges while helping to drive organisational improvement.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing complex employee relations casework, providing practical solutions and expert employment law advice
• Partnering with managers and senior stakeholders to improve organisational effectiveness and employee experience
• Supporting organisational change, restructures, consultations and transformation programmes
• Coaching and developing managers to build confidence in managing people issues effectively
• Working collaboratively across People Services to deliver integrated solutions to workforce challenges
• Building strong relationships with trade unions, representative bodies and key stakeholders

About You

We're looking for an experienced HR or ER professional who can quickly establish credibility and make an immediate impact.

You will bring:

• Significant employee relations experience, including managing complex and sensitive casework
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
• Experience building trusted relationships with managers and senior stakeholders
• The ability to balance operational delivery with a strategic partnering approach
• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills
• A proactive, resilient and solutions-focused approach

Public sector experience is highly desirable, particularly an understanding of governance, policy frameworks and political environments. However, we are also keen to hear from experienced HR Advisors or ER specialists who have been operating at business partner level and can demonstrate the necessary capability and stakeholder engagement experience.

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to join a supportive and experienced Employee Relations function consisting of seven Business Partners and three Advisors, working on some of the most challenging and rewarding people issues across Greater Manchester.

If you're passionate about employee relations, enjoy building strong partnerships and want to make an impact during a period of significant change, we'd love to hear from you.