ER Advisor

Lanes Group; Leeds; On-site; GBP 35,000 - GBP 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utility services provider in the UK seeks an ER Advisor to support managers with formal employee relations cases. The ideal candidate will have a CIPD Level 5 qualification (or equivalent), solid experience in employee relations, and strong knowledge of UK employment law. Responsibilities include acting as a point of contact for ER queries, maintaining records, and providing training for managers. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to a positive workplace culture and to impact employee relations practices positively.

Qualifications

• Solid experience in employee relations in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices.
• Experience in dealing with complex ER cases including grievances and disciplinary.

Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for managers seeking advice on formal ER matters.
• Support the full lifecycle of ER cases and maintain accurate records.
• Deliver training and coaching to managers on ER-related topics.

Skills

Proficient at supporting managers remotely when required

Excellent communication skills

Strong attention to detail

Ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously

Education

CIPD Level 5 or equivalent experience

Job description

Lanes Group is a leading nationwide utility services provider with over 3,500 dedicated employees. Our diverse subsidiaries drive our success across various sectors, contributing to a remarkable turnover of over £500 million. We are committed to excellence and innovation, ensuring we provide industry leading services to our clients and stakeholders. Join us to be part of a dynamic and growing team that values diversity and fosters professional growth.

About the role

As the ER Advisor, this role is pivotal in supporting managers across the business with formal employee relations cases, providing expert guidance and hands‑on support throughout the end‑to‑end process. You’ll be the first point of contact for ER queries via phone and email, helping to ensure fair, consistent, and legally compliant outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for managers seeking advice on formal ER matters, including disciplinary, grievance, performance, and absence cases.
• Provide clear, practical guidance via phone and email, ensuring advice is aligned with company policy and employment legislation.
• Support the full lifecycle of ER cases, including attending meetings, preparing documentation, and advising on appropriate outcomes.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of all ER activity, ensuring confidentiality and compliance.
• Identify trends and escalat[e] complex or high‑risk cases to senior HR colleagues as appropriate.
• Act as subject‑matter expert in Employee Relations, ensuring your employment law knowledge is up to date and you share updates and best practice with the wider People team.
• Deliver training and coaching to managers to build confidence and capability in handling ER issues.
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of ER policies, processes, and toolkits.

Skills & Qualifications

Qualifications / Training

• CIPD Level 5 (or working towards) or equivalent experience.

Experience

• Solid experience in employee relations, ideally in a fast‑paced or multi‑site, operational environment.
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Experience of working with managers and leaders at all levels.
• Experience of dealing with highly complex ER cases including grievances, whistleblowing complaints and disciplinary
• Experience of designing and delivering coaching and training for managers on ER related topics

Skills

• Proficient at supporting managers remotely when required
• Comfortable working with and analysing complex data to identify trends and issues.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build trust and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously.
• Comfortable working independently and making sound judgments under pressure.
• Strong employment law knowledge and have strategies in place to maintain that knowledge.

Living the company Values

By embedding our companies core values and purpose into each role, ensures that every employee, regardless of their role or level, understands how their individual development and contributions align with our purpose of ‘improving today for a better tomorrow’.

Each role and value has an alignment to set proficiency levels and expectations, this role holder is expected to:

• Leading: Provides expert guidance on complex ER issues, influencing fair and consistent decision‑making across the business.
• Agile: Responds swiftly to employee concerns and organisational changes, delivering timely and practical ER solutions.
• Nurturing: Supports managers in handling sensitive situations with empathy, promoting a positive and respectful workplace culture.
• Engaging: Builds trust through clear communication and collaboration, ensuring employees feel heard and valued during ER processes.
• Safe & Secure: Safeguards compliance and confidentiality, mitigating risk while maintaining a safe and inclusive environment.