People Policy and Relations Manager

Contract: Temporary - 12-month Maternity Leave Cover
Hours: Full Time, 37.5 hours per week
Location: Pontypridd, with hybrid working opportunities
Salary: £41,064 per annum

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.
• 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 #removed# and email a copy of your CV.

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