Wise May are currently recruiting on behalf of a Global Reinsurance client for an Employee Relations (ER) Specialist with International expertise to undertake a newly created role at AVP level. As an Employee Relations Specialist you will act as a global SME, to design and embed a new service delivery framework to support employees and managers on ER related topics, establishing clear standards and a focused approach to ER strategy and risk management to strengthen ER practices.
This is a full time permanent role and the client offers flexible, hybrid working.
ER Specialist key responsibilities:
- Contribute to the development and implementation of the Enterprise Employee Relations (ER) framework by supporting governance standards and ensuring alignment with the broader strategy and regional employment regulations.
- Develop, maintain, and continuously improve ER standards, processes, and tools, including templates and guidance for disciplinary actions, performance management processes, and involuntary separations, ensuring consistency with global ER practices.
- Independently lead complex workplace investigations and support higher risk matters (including harassment, discrimination, and regulatory or GDPR related concerns), partnering closely with HRBPs, Legal and People Experience Operations as required. This includes conducting interviews, gathering and assessing evidence, preparing investigation reports, and recommending appropriate outcomes or development actions.
- Provide expert ER advice and guidance to the Employee Relations Specialists to proactively resolve issues, mitigate risk, and ensure fair, consistent handling of employee matters across regions.
- Provide oversight and guidance enabling high quality support for employee relations requests through our tiered support model and acting as a point of escalation, as required.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of ER programs and processes across the International region, contributing to reporting and insights aligned to Global ER success measures (e.g., case trends, risk indicators, and external counsel usage).
- Act as a trusted subject matter expert in relevant business discussions, offering insight on workplace trends, emerging risks, and complex employee matters to support informed decision making.
- Support the design and delivery of ER related training for managers and employees across the International region, ensuring alignment with global standards and curriculum.
- Monitor and respond to regional legal and regulatory developments in partnership with the Country Leads to ensure policies, guidelines, and employment practices remain compliant with local requirements. Liaise with the Global ER team to ensure alignment in approach where appropriate.
- Collaborate closely with the Global ER team to ensure International ER processes remain aligned with global standards, sharing regional insights and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
ER Specialist key skills & experience
- Significant experience working in Employee Relations roles within highly matrixed global HR functions, taking ownership of designing, implementing and embedding ER practices across multiple International Regions.
- Exposure to complex ER matters across multiple jurisdictions.
- Proven experience independently leading investigations and advising senior leaders on sensitive and high risk issues, with the ability to facilitate difficult conversations and resolve disputes effectively.
- Strong analytical and problem solving capability, with the ability to assess complex ER situations and recommend pragmatic, risk aware solutions.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple ER cases and workstreams simultaneously.
- Experience contributing to the design, implementation, or evolution of ER governance frameworks.
- Deep knowledge of labour laws, regulatory requirements, and ER best practices across regions such as EMEA, APAC, and Canada (e.g., GDPR, whistleblower protections; familiarity with US frameworks such as FMLA/ADA is beneficial but not essential).
- Demonstrated ability to stay current on employment law developments and emerging ER trends.
- Experience working with HRIS platforms and ER or case management systems.
- Degree in Human Resources, Business, Psychology, Employment Law, or a related discipline.
- Certification (e.g., CIPD, SHRM, IHRP) with specialisation in employee relations or workplace investigations.
Benefits
Leave
- 25 days of annual leave with option to buy/sell more days
- Adoption and fertility leave
- Generous enhanced parental leave
Healthcare
- Comprehensive private insurance coverage for employee and dependents
- Group Life Insurance coverage of 9 x basic annual salary and Group Income Protection up to 75% of basic annual salary
- Optical benefits
Savings & Retirement
- 15% combined employee/employer contributions
Wellness
- Subsidised gym membership
- Access to Employee Assistance Program
- Cycle to Work and Electric Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme
- Time off for volunteering
- Charitable matching of employee donations