Employee Relations Specialist

Description:

MAG (Airports Group), the largest UK-owned airport operator, is seeking a talented and experienced Employee Relations Specialist to join its Group People Policies & Processes team. The role offers the flexibility of working from any of MAG’s airport locations — Manchester, East Midlands, or Stansted — with hybrid work options available.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing, maintaining, and governing MAG’s Group People Policies, processes, and toolkits, ensuring they remain modern, legally compliant, and inclusive. This role involves managing external third-party relationships for the Group-wide ER Case Management System and working closely with internal stakeholders to ensure compliance, efficiency, and continuous improvement in employee relations practices.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and maintaining ER policies, procedures, and systems aligned with legal and organisational standards.

• Partnering with People Partners to anticipate and address ER issues while supporting business transformation initiatives.

• Providing expert advice on grievances, disciplinaries, harassment, absence, and other ER cases.

• Leading projects to modernise employment practices, conduct external benchmarking, and ensure compliance with employment law.

• Collaborating with Trade Unions, Local People Teams, Internal Comms, and Colleague Communities to foster positive industrial relations.

• Managing the policy governance framework and ensuring consistent application across the organisation.

• Supporting group-wide trade union engagement, documentation, and initiatives related to ethical labour practices and modern slavery.

Candidate Requirements:

• CIPD qualification (minimum Level 5) or equivalent.

• Strong experience handling complex ER cases and developing HR policy frameworks.

• Proven ability to manage ER within transformation or change programmes.

• Excellent understanding of UK employment law and policy development.

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and project management skills.

• Ability to work both strategically and tactically in a fast-paced environment.

• Experience working within a trade unionised environment is advantageous.

Benefits:

• Competitive bonus scheme.

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.

• Free parking and subsidised public transport.

• Extensive company discounts.

• Inclusive working environment with a strong focus on sustainability and community engagement.

Equal Opportunities:
MAG is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. As a Disability Confident Employer, MAG provides reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and supports employees’ well-being, mental health, and career growth through multiple Colleague Resource Groups, including Women’s Network, Embrace (Race & Ethnicity Group), Fly With Pride (LGBTQIA+), and Parent & Carers Network.