Employee Relations Specialist

CooperVision; Fareham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global company in medical devices is seeking an Employee Relations Specialist based in Fareham, UK. The role involves managing ER activities, providing advice on employment legislation, and overseeing absence management, with a focus on fostering positive relationships and compliance. The position offers competitive compensation, hybrid working, and opportunities for personal and professional development. Ideal candidates should possess a degree and a CIPD qualification, along with strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

25 days holiday

Pension scheme

Wellness platform support

Discounted contact lens scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in advising on complex disciplinary and grievance issues.
• Confidence in conveying difficult or challenging information.
• Ability to manage high-volume ER cases.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage Employee Relations activities for UK operations.
• Act as the contact point for line managers on ER matters.
• Track and manage ER cases and metrics to gain insights on trends.

Skills

Project management

Teamwork

Results-oriented

Self-awareness

Excellent communication

Organisational skills

Problem-solving

Influencing skills

Knowledge of UK employment legislation

Education

Degree level education

CIPD qualified (Level 5 minimum)

Tools

MS Office (Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint, Outlook)

HR information systems (Oracle, HCM)

Job description

Employee Relations Specialist at CooperVision

Job Summary: As an Employee Relations Specialist, you will be responsible for overseeing and managing Employee Relations activities and Absence Management throughout UK Operations & Commercial business groups within a Shared Service environment. You will track and manage all cases across the business, provide high‑level advice and guidance to ensure all ER cases are handled efficiently and consistently, and partner with HR colleagues, managers, line managers and legal advisors to deliver a legally compliant, best‑practice approach. This position reports to the Senior Manager, Employee Relations.

Essential Functions & Accountabilities

• Act as the first point of contact for line managers on employee relations matters, providing specialist advice and solutions in line with current legislation, including disciplinary, grievances, investigations, and performance capability.
• Work closely with line managers to ensure understanding and compliance with policies, procedures and best practice.
• Liaise with external solicitors on complex ER cases and manage employment tribunal claims, as required.
• Develop line managers’ capacity to manage ER problems, fostering positive working relationships and minimizing line‑management issues.
• Partner with the business and HR representatives to manage a positive, best‑practice employee relations programme for UK Operations & Commercial groups.
• Collaborate with HR Business Partners, HR Managers and HR Directors on projects and initiatives.
• Oversee absence management across operations & commercial business to reduce absence levels.
• Review and update ER policies, procedures and systems as required.
• Track, analyse and interpret ER metrics to provide insights on trends and opportunities.
• Work flexibly across the region, supporting colleagues on projects and work activity.

Travel Requirements

The role requires local travel within Hampshire and occasional travel outside the UK.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Core competencies: project management, teamwork, results, departmental impact and self‑awareness.
• MS Office skills including Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• HR information systems experience (Oracle, HCM advantageous).
• Excellent communication, organisational skills, and experience supporting high‑volume ER cases.
• Experience in organisational change and restructuring programmes including redundancy and contractual variations.
• Influencing skills to liaise with management at varying levels within a diverse business.
• Pragmatic problem‑solving capabilities.
• Knowledge of UK employment legislation.
• Articulate oral and written communication.
• High attention to detail; ability to manage time and priorities.
• Coaching, providing direction, feedback, and conveying difficult information.
• Highly motivated, self‑starter, and responsible.
• Ability to build and develop relationships with stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and time‑management skills to handle multiple deadlines.

Work Environment

• Prominent office environment with 2–3 days a week hybrid working; 5 days in Spring 2026.
• Flexible hours to accommodate 24/7 shift patterns.
• Willingness to enter a clean‑room environment when needed.
• Prolonged use of PC, laptop, display screens and mobile phone.

Experience and Education

• Detailed ER experience including advising on complex disciplinary and grievance issues.
• Confidence in conveying difficult or challenging information.
• Degree level education; CIPD qualified (Level 5 minimum) or similar professional qualification.

What we offer

Competitive compensation, 25 days holiday, pension scheme, wellness platform support, discounted contact lens scheme and more.

Extensive training, LinkedIn Learning access and opportunities for growth.

What you can expect

Inclusive culture, diverse and progressive global business, opportunities for personal and professional development.

All suitably qualified applicants will receive equal consideration and opportunities from CooperVision.

Additional Information

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Human Resources

Industries: Medical Equipment Manufacturing