People Relations Manager

About Blacklock and Role Overview

Blacklock is a distinguished restaurant group ranked among the UK's Top 100 Best Companies and certified as a B-Corp. We pride ourselves on fostering a workplace that prioritizes the well-being and growth of our employees while delivering exceptional British culinary experiences enriched by genuine hospitality.

We are dedicated to cultivating an inclusive culture where everyone can express their authentic selves, feel supported, and access equal opportunities for advancement. As part of this mission, we are expanding our People Team by hiring a senior People Relations Manager who is genuinely enthusiastic about nurturing positive work environments and proactive employee relations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and steer a proactive employee relations strategy emphasizing prevention via manager training and early dispute resolution.
• Design and implement interactive training programs for managers on areas like absence handling, investigations, conflict resolution, difficult dialogues, disciplinary actions, grievances, performance oversight, equality, and wellness.
• Coach and empower managers to address people-related concerns promptly and effectively before formal procedures arise.
• Create accessible guidance, toolkits, and resources to facilitate everyday employee management tasks.
• Serve as the principal consultant on complex employee relations issues, including disciplinary processes, grievances, performance capability, investigations, and long-term absence management.
• Assist managers during formal hearings, appeals, and organizational transitions.
• Regularly review and update HR policies to maintain legal compliance, practicality, and alignment with company objectives, including leading policy education across all venues.
• Collaborate with People and Operations teams to analyze workplace culture trends and implement initiatives to lower conflicts.
• Provide support for restructuring, contract adjustments, redundancy consultations, and TUPE procedures as needed.
• Generate monthly reports on employee relations activities and training effectiveness, leveraging data to promote continuous enhancements.

Required Experience and Skills

• Extensive senior-level experience in People Relations or HR within a business operating multiple locations.
• In-depth understanding of UK employment law and proven success handling complex employee relations cases from inception to resolution.
• Track record of delivering compelling management training and augmenting leadership skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills to navigate sensitive, intricate employee matters fairly and objectively.
• Expert coaching capabilities complemented by confident stakeholder engagement and ability to provide constructive challenges.
• Competence interpreting workforce data to inform decisions and foster positive workplace changes.
• Passion for advancing inclusive and supportive working environments that allow staff to excel.
• Holding or working towards Level 5 Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) qualification is advantageous.

Employee Benefits

• Celebratory dining experience for two upon successful probation completion.
• 50% discount on food for up to four guests in all Blacklock restaurants.
• 33 days paid leave annually, including Bank Holidays.
• Annual charity volunteering day with paid leave.
• Access to exclusive discount offers.
• £500 referral bonus for introducing new talent.
• Discounted pricing on meat and wine products.
• Generous parental leave policies including 12 weeks paid maternity/adoption and 2 weeks paid paternity leave.
• 2 days paid leave for caring for a puppy ('Paw-ternity' leave).
• Recognition gifts at anniversaries such as additional holidays, weekend trips, and paid sabbaticals.
• Access to free mortgage consultation.
• Financial assistance via a hardship loan program.
• Comprehensive support services including counseling, legal advice, and hardship grants through an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Fun and engaging team events including the annual Blackstock company festival.

Additional Information

This position is based in our office on Dean Street, London, and requires on-site presence.