Our exceptional HR Department have an opportunity for a dedicated Employee Relations Specialist to join the team on a 6 month Fixed Term contract.
Working closely with Heads of Department and line managers, the Employee Relations Specialist will provide proactive, hands‑on support in all aspects of employee relations to help stabilise workplace culture, reduce the volume of formal employee concerns, and build management capability.
This role will contribute to strengthening positive working relationships across key areas of the College by promoting constructive dialogue, early intervention, and effective managerial practice. The post‑holder will develop a clear understanding of the operational needs, pressures, and KPIs within the areas they support, enabling them to offer tailored solutions that help leaders manage change confidently and foster a more collaborative and healthy organisational culture.
Responsibilities include:
Provide expert advice and hands-on support to managers on all employee relations matters, including grievances, disciplinaries, performance issues, sickness absence and conflict resolution.
Lead and manage complex and high-risk ER cases from start to finish, ensuring timely. progression and compliance with policies and employment law.
Support and guide managers in conducting investigations, hearings and consultations, ensuring fairness, consistency and robust documentation.
Identify and promote early intervention strategies to reduce the escalation of concerns into formal processes.
Provide coaching, mentoring and on-the-job support to Heads of Department and line managers to build confidence in handling people issues.
Deliver training or briefings on key ER topics (eg managing conflict, conducting investigations, attendance management and performance management).
Develop practical guidance, toolkits and resources to support consistent, effective people management across the college.
Maintain accurate records of ER cases, identifying trends, hotspots, and areas requiring proactive intervention.
Produce clear reports for HR leadership and senior managers, highlighting risks and recommended actions.
Build trusted, professional relationships with managers, supervisors, and staff to enable effective resolution of issues.
Provide clear, balanced advice that supports both organisational objectives and fair treatment of employees.
For the full job description and person specification, please click here
The Ideal Candidate
Our ideal candidate will be a learner and quality-focused with a commitment to our vision of working together to transform lives. You should be able to contribute to our journey to Outstanding, creating a positive working and study environment, and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion should be embedded within your core values.
As part of the hiring process, candidates may be required to complete a psychometric test, which will provide valuable insight into your potential fit within Bradford College.
Education & Training
GCSE 4 – 9 or equivalent level 2 qualification in Maths, or be prepared to pass a test before the interview to demonstrate level 2 ability, and then, if appointed, achieve within an agreed timescale
GCSE 4 - 9 or equivalent level 2 qualification in English, or be prepared to pass a test before the interview to demonstrate level 2 ability, and then, if appointed, achieve within an agreed timescale
CIPD Level 5 or above
Experience
Knowledge of employee relations frameworks, including grievance, disciplinary, capability, and attendance management procedures.
Proven experience managing a broad range of complex and sensitive employee relations cases.
Demonstrated experience coaching or supporting managers to handle people issues confidently.
Experience working in a unionised environment or with employee representatives.
Experience analysing ER trends or casework data to identify risks and inform action
Experience supporting culture change initiatives or interventions to reduce ER case volumes.
Experience developing HR guidance, manager toolkits, or delivering ER‑related training
For an informal discussion about the role, please email recruit@bradfordcollege.ac.uk
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, depending on the level of interest and number of applications, so early application is advised.
Please note that if you are successful and accept a role, any other ongoing applications for other roles with us will be withdrawn automatically.
RECRUITMENT AGENCIES
We kindly request that recruitment agencies not forward any unsolicited CVs in relation to any of our advertised roles or speculatively. If we require support with any of our vacancies, we will get in touch with agencies directly.
We do not recognise submissions of unsolicited or speculative CV applications from recruitment agencies.
We shall not be liable for any fee /commission in the event we employ a candidate that may have been submitted as an unsolicited/speculative application from an uninstructed recruitment agency.
Bradford College
At Bradford College, our ambition is to transform the lives of our learners, help them to aim higher and support them to achieve their goals.
Located in the heart of Bradford, we offer a wide range of courses at varying levels, with something to suit everyone. From undergraduate to postgraduate and professional qualifications, to distance learning and short community courses.
We aim to attract and retain knowledgeable, passionate and focused individuals who can inspire, motivate and support both learners and colleagues. With a can-do attitude and desire for continuous self-improvement, you could make a difference in the lives of everyone at Bradford College.
Should you be shortlisted for an interview, as a Disability Confident employer, where required, we will make reasonable adjustments to your interview to ensure you are given the best opportunity to succeed. If you require any additional support or reasonable adjustments for the interview, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us to discuss your options.
Bradford College is proud to be working towards becoming a Menopause Friendly Accredited Employer. This commitment reflects our dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for all staff. We are implementing policies, resources, and awareness initiatives to ensure everyone feels valued and supported through every stage of life.
Benefits of working at Bradford College:
Generous annual leave entitlement – equivalent to 30 days of holidays, plus bank holidays
Additional college closure days, including a 2-week Christmas closure
West Yorkshire Pension Scheme, with a generous 18% employer contribution
Annual salary reviews
Career progression opportunities – 54% of all vacancies are filled internally
Free sports and gym facilities
Free wellbeing initiatives and access to our exclusive staff indoor and outdoor wellbeing space
Confidential employee assistance service and on-site mental health first aiders
Access to Bradford College benefits hub, offering retail, travel, leisure and dining discounts and cashback
Discounts on greener travel – cycle to work scheme & local MetroCard and Northern Rail discounts
Access to hair and beauty treatments in our student-led Signature Spa
On-site dining facilities, including our award-winning Grove restaurant
A host of training development opportunities
Fantastic campus facilities, a short walk to public transport links in the heart of the City of Culture 2025
The opportunity to work for an organisation that is truly committed to creating a better future for all through education and training.
For full details, please click here
*If you have the drive to further develop your skills and abilities, you will be given the support and opportunities you need to enhance your career. This includes access to in-house training and CPD, professional and academic qualifications and mentoring.
Bradford College is committed to supporting and promoting diversity and inclusion amongst our staff and student body. We promote applications across all sections of the community, recognising the benefits a diverse workforce can bring and therefore particularly encourage applications from groups which are underrepresented in our workforce.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expect staff and volunteers to share this commitment. In line with our statutory safeguarding requirements detailed in Keeping Children Safe in Education legislation, this role is subject to an enhanced DBS check, employment references, health screening and social media search.
Please be aware that it is a criminal offence to apply for this post if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity in connection with children and vulnerable adults.