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Employee Relations Manager

DOGS TRUST
London
Full-time
8th February 2026

Employee Relations Manager

Do you have significant experience of working in an employee relations, case management and policy focused role, including strong knowledge of employment law?

We are recruiting for an Employee Relations (ER) Manager to provide guidance and practical support across the charity in all employee relations matters. Supported by a HR Advisor and working closely with the HR Business Partnering team, you will direct the workflow, coach for performance, and ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality case management.

What does this role do?

As ER Manager, you'll:

  • oversee the management and resolution of employee relations cases including grievance, disciplinary, performance, and capability investigations, hearings and appeals with professionalism, integrity and compliance
  • lead on allocation and monitoring of casework, ensuring timely and accurate resolution, providing coaching, support and guidance
  • manage complex or sensitive cases or investigations to ensure consistency and objectivity and appropriate outcomes
  • manage, develop and coach the HR Advisor
  • deliver continuous improvement in all aspects of ER for the benefits of all stakeholders, through collaboration with colleagues across the People directorate.

Could this be you?

To be successful in this role you'll have significant experience of working in employee relations, including managing complex or sensitive cases, with sound decision making based on in-depth knowledge of employment law, HR best practice, and equality legislation.  

You'll be a people focused, credible and assertive subject matter expert with strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills, and experience of portraying complex issues and problem-solving initiatives in a ‘user friendly’ format.

You'll be skilled in training, coaching and developing HR and business stakeholders on ER matters, to share your knowledge and increase their capability, and you'll have experience of using and analysing data to inform and influence business decisions.

You'll be a people focused, credible and assertive subject matter expert with strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills, and experience of portraying complex issues and problem-solving initiatives in a ‘user friendly’ format.

You'll be skilled in training, coaching and developing HR and business stakeholders on ER matters, to share your knowledge and increase their capability, and you'll have experience of using and analysing data to inform and influence business decisions.

What does this team do?

The People directorate delivers a first-class service to the organisation and our 1,600 employees across the country. We work across all people related activities including resourcing, pay and benefits, payroll, learning and development and employee engagement as well as providing pragmatic and principled guidance on individual people issues.

The HR Business Partnering and Advisory Services team works closely with leadership and line managers across the organisation to provide tailored HR advice and guidance, identifying risks and opportunities in people activities and supporting with formal and informal employee relations cases.

Interviews for this role are scheduled to take place on 19th February 2026.

About Dogs Trust

We love dogs. That’s why we do whatever we can to make sure every four-legged friend gets the love they deserve. We’ll never put a healthy dog down, so our work is focused on helping dogs in need, supporting owners every step of the walk, and creating a better world for dogs in the future. It’s what we’ve been doing since 1891 and how we’ve grown to become the UK’s leading dog charity, helping 12,000 loyal friends find their forever homes every year.

Documents

To apply for this position please click the APPLY NOW button. Our application process requires you submit a personal statement explaining your interest and suitability for the role.
 

Dogs are incredibly diverse, much like the humans that love them! At Dogs Trust we value diversity, and we're committed to fostering an inclusive culture. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities, and cultures and believe that a diverse workforce helps us to achieve our mission. Our colleague networks give our people a voice, acting as vehicles for real and meaningful change within Dogs Trust. We truly want to see every candidate shine throughout the entire job application process, interview stages, and during their time with us. If there's anything on your mind or any adjustments you may need, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Feel free to send us an email at

jobs@dogstrust.org.uk. We're here to support you every step of the way.