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Join the UK’s leading Trade Kitchen Supplier in a Lead Employee Relations role.
Howdens Joinery are hiring a Lead Employee Relations Specialist to join our Employee Relations team based in our Croxley office in Hertfordshire with some occasional travel to our depot sites.  You’ll be looking to advance your HR or ER career by partnering closely with our HR Business Partners and business leaders whilst providing management and guidance to a team of ER Specialists. 

What will I be doing as a Lead ER Specialist?

- Leading and mentoring a team of ER Specialists ensuring that they are supported through complex and high-risk cases, providing mentoring and coaching with consideration to both best practice and commercial intent.
- Acting as an escalation point for complex cases.
- Developing the capabilities and individual performance of the team and encouraging continual learning through coaching.
- Improving ER capability amongst managers and HR Business Partners through training, coaching, partnership and development of tools and processes.
- Contributing to the design and planning of employee relation programmes, policies and supporting with communication and implementation.
- Collaborating with wider HR teams and our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion working groups on initiatives.
- Supporting in the preparation of case documentation and employment tribunal reports and case files.
- Building and maintaining familiarity with HR Legislation and Howdens HR policies and procedures and facilitate policy and process reviews collaboratively.
- Utilising ER data to inform decision making and to identify opportunities to drive continuous improvement.

What do I need to qualify for this Lead ER Specialist role?

- Proven experience in an HR or Employee Relations role with a strong understanding of the full employee life cycle.
- A Level 5 CIPD qualification (or equivalent) or be actively working towards this milestone.
- Exceptional people management experience, with the ability to inspire, lead, and prioritise effectively within your team.
- Strong stakeholder management abilities, building trusted relationships across the business.
- A solid background in providing constructive and commercially sound ER advice, with a proactive and customer-focused approach.
- In-depth knowledge of employment law and its application in a business context, enabling you to support managers and advise on risk.
- A passion for mentoring and guiding your team, acting as a role model and expert advisor.

What we can offer you as a Lead ER Specialist

- Competitive salary and company bonus
- Excellent pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%)
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Staff Discount
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Exceptional Reward and Recognition event

About Howdens:

Howdens Joinery is the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier providing thousands of products across kitchens, joinery, and hardware.  We have over 900 depots throughout the UK and Europe – making us the first choice for more than 460,000 loyal trade professionals.  Last year our sales reached circa 2.3bn, and we have an ambitious growth agenda. 

As well as the opportunity to develop within a fast paced and commercial environment, you will be part of a rewarding organisation recognised for excellence in the workplace in the Best Big Companies to Work For. 

How to apply

We’re building a future where world-class service, innovation, and sustainability are embedded within our DNA. If Howdens sounds like the kind of place where you can build and develop your career, then we’re keen to hear from you.  When you apply, you will need to attach a CV for this Lead ER Specialist role.

Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We’re working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email (url removed) with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you. 

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