People Policy and Relations Manager

Contract: Temporary - 12-month Maternity Leave Cover

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Hours: Full Time and Part Time Available
Location: Pontypridd, with hybrid working opportunities
Salary: £41,064 per annum (Pro rata)

Overview

We are working with a large higher-education provider in South Wales who are seeking an experienced and proactive People Policy and Relations Manager to support the development of a positive, inclusive, and resolution-focused workplace culture during a period of maternity leave cover.

This role plays a key part in shaping and delivering effective employee relations strategies, ensuring that policies and procedures remain legally compliant, values-driven, and aligned with organisational ethos.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on the development, review, and implementation of people, policies and procedures that reflect best practice and employment legislation.
• Monitor upcoming legislative changes (new or amended legislation) and ensure the organisation remains fully and legally compliant.
• Manage a full spectrum of employee relations casework, including complex and sensitive matters, ensuring timely and fair resolution.
• Anticipated split is 60% Policy development and compliance; 40% Case Management
• Promote a proactive and preventative approach to employee relations, fostering open communication and early conflict resolution.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to managers and key stakeholders across the organisation.
• Support and develop a small team of Advisers, offering coaching, direction, and professional expertise.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders to enhance organisational culture and working practices.
• Evaluate and enhance ER practices using feedback, research and best practice to strengthen early resolution and support a respectful, equitable and inclusive work culture.
• Review post-investigation and disciplinary recommendations and work with People Business Partners to support consistent implementation across faculties and departments.

What This Role Offers

• Impactful Work: A key opportunity to shape a respectful, supportive, and fair workplace environment.
• Professional Development: The chance to lead on organisation-wide initiatives and contribute to strategic policy development.
• Collaborative Culture: Work within an inclusive and values-driven People team committed to equitable practice.
• Staff Benefits: Competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a range of wellbeing-focused staff benefits.

Role Requirements:

• Level 7 CIPD or equivalent senior qualification; or equivalent experience in a relevant HR management role.
• Significant experience in advising on complex and sensitive employee relations matters as a HR specialist
• Experience of providing advice to managers on Employee Relations matters (including change management and TUPE), with the ability to analyse and assess risk in advance of providing outcome focused solutions. xbpsjku
• Have excellent knowledge of legislative requirements, including case law and how to use that when giving advice and guidance

For more information about the role, please contact Branwen Johns on and email a copy of your CV.

We are ideally looking for someone who can start mid-late January for this position.