Employee Relations Advisor

About Us 

IPG Mediabrands is the media and marketing solutions division of Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). Mediabrands manages approximately $40 billion in marketing investment globally on behalf of its clients and provides strategic services and solutions across its award-winning, full-service agency networks UM and Initiative and through its innovative marketing specialist companies Reprise, Magna, Orion, Rapport, Healix, Mediabrands Content Studio and the IPG Media Lab. Mediabrands clients include many of the world’s most recognizable and iconic brands from a broad portfolio of industry sectors. The company employs more than 13,000 marketing experts in more than 130 countries representing the full diversity of humanity. For more information, please visit our website: www.ipgmediabrands.com. 

Role Description 

The UK & Ireland Talent team is based across our London and Leeds offices, and this role could be based in either city. It supports 1400+ employees in London, Dublin and Leeds, across IPG Mediabrands. The HR team is comprised of 40+ individuals including Business Partnering, Operations, Payroll & Benefits, Talent Acquisition and Talent Development. We also work alongside the EMEA HR team based in London.

The ER Advisor will support in resolving workplace issues and ensuring compliance with company policies and relevant employment laws, contributing towards a positive and equitable working environment. The role will require the handling of sensitive situations with diplomacy, ensuring that policies and practices are applied consistently and fairly, and that commercial and legal practicalities are balanced. The ER Advisor will support both senior business stakeholders and the Talent team, providing expert support on employee relations cases. This involves a proactive approach to supporting the resolution and responsibility for the administration of casework.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the ER Partner in the independent management of a variety of employment-related matters, including but not limited to conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, performance management, TUPE, flexible working requests, and appeals.
• Assist in developing investigation plans, preparing for interviews, and drafting detailed, clear, and comprehensive documentation.
• Coordinate projects that support the Company through complex organisational change initiatives.
• Provide advice, mentoring, and support to people managers and leaders in dealing with formal and informal ER matters.
• Assist in identifying and implementing appropriate reporting mechanisms for employee relations cases.
• Assist in the development, implementation, and communication of company policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with best practices and legal requirements.
• Stay informed about changes in employment laws and regulations, proactively updating policies and practices to maintain compliance and mitigate risks.
• Provide advice and guidance to employees on policy interpretation.
• Collaborate with the wider Talent team and the UK&I DE&I Manager on initiatives to enhance the employee workplace experience.
• Develop and deliver education and communications on Group initiatives such as ER, anti-harassment, and Code of Conduct.
• Manage the tracking and compliance of mandatory training.
• Manage relationships with external advisors such as legal services, occupational health services, and ACAS.

Desired Skills & Experience

• You have demonstrable experience in managing ER cases in a fast-paced, commercial environment.
• You ensure you have strong up-to-date knowledge of current UK employment legislation & ACAS guidelines.
• Your strong communication skills, enable you to convey complex information simply.
• You are confident in coaching and influencing at various levels, challenging positively when appropriate.
• You are comfortable facilitating workshops and meetings.
• You are proactive, team-oriented, and build strong relationships.
• You conduct difficult and sensitive conversations with managers and employees, both face-to-face and virtually, showing compassion and empathy.
• You evidence strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills, with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• You thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Desired Attributes/Behaviours

• Starts with Why: Actively seeks to understand processes and guidelines; consistently asks insightful questions to deepen understanding and support effective implementation of policies.
  
  
• Builds Connections: Fosters strong collaborative relationships across the team and organization; values and integrates