Employee Relations Manager

Job Overview

The Employee Relations Manager acts as an essential collaborator within the ER/People Experience team, partnering with Risk, Regulatory and Legal Affairs, and leadership to handle intricate employee relations and investigations across Ireland, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Bermuda, and Gibraltar. Operating in a dynamic professional services setting, this role involves leading investigations from start to finish, ensuring thorough documentation and timely, equitable case resolutions that balance legal and business interests.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead comprehensive employee relations investigations, preparing detailed reports, executive summaries, and disciplinary records using a centralized case management tool.
• Serve as primary investigator for sensitive and complex cases across service divisions, striving for fair, business-conscious outcomes aligned with company culture and diversity priorities.
• Conduct interviews, analyze data from diverse sources, and communicate findings clearly in verbal and written forms.
• Use sound judgment to evaluate cases, determine resolutions, and recommend balanced actions.
• Collaborate closely with business leaders to identify root causes, mitigate risks, and foster positive workplace outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with firm policies and external regulations in all recommendations and decisions.
• Review employee relations data to detect trends and emerging risks.
• Identify and implement improvements in investigation processes, risk controls, and employee relations education.
• Work alongside People Experience, Risk, Regulatory, and Legal teams to uphold a consistent and high-standard employee relations practice across the organization.

• Manage complex employee relations challenges and handle crisis situations effectively while balancing multiple priorities.
• Lead firm-wide initiatives focusing on employee relations and people risk management.
• Provide expert HR advice grounded in Irish employment law, firm policies, and compliance to reduce organizational risk.
• Consult on performance management, ensuring proper documentation supports decision-making.
• Drive projects with a collaborative, cross-stakeholder approach.
• Coach and support People & Culture colleagues and business leaders with specialized knowledge.
• Keep abreast of changes in Irish employment legislation, WRC practices, and case law, updating policies accordingly.
• Assist senior leadership navigating complex employee relations and associated risks.

Qualifications and Skills

• Proven expertise in investigating complex and sensitive employee relations issues, with a background in managing risks and delivering balanced outcomes.
• Experience handling confidential employee relations matters aligned with organizational culture and diversity commitments.
• A proactive, solution-focused mindset with strong initiative.
• Business-savvy with a commitment to positive employee experiences and stakeholder engagement.
• Exceptional communication, listening, and relationship skills in collaborative, client-service environments.
• Confidence and credibility engaging stakeholders across all organizational levels, including senior management.
• Strong influencer, coach, and stakeholder manager.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and multiple leaders across diverse organizational areas.
• Collaborative and solution-oriented, skilled at building trust in matrixed professional service environments.
• Strategic thinker capable of delivering practical, commercially aligned solutions.
• Analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making proficiency.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
• Preferably CIPD qualified or working towards this credential.
• Over seven years of experience in Employee Relations or HR within professional services or matrixed structures.
• Excellence in verbal, written, and presentation communication.
• Strong negotiation, influencing, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with HR case management software and defining employee relations frameworks.
• High discretion, integrity, sound judgment, and attention to detail.
• Experience mentoring or leading HR professionals/teams.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Irish employment law, including Unfair Dismissals, Protected Disclosures, Dignity at Work, and Working Time legislation; multi-jurisdictional exposure is advantageous.
• Experience managing WRC-related issues, disciplinary and grievance processes.
• Proven capability advising senior stakeholders in fast-paced environments.

About Grant Thornton Ireland

Grant Thornton Ireland is nearing a workforce of 3,000 professionals across nine offices spanning Ireland, Isle of Man, Gibraltar, and Bermuda. As part of a global network with presence in 149 countries and 73,000 employees, the firm offers clients a blend of local insight, national expertise, and international reach.

Grant Thornton supports a diverse client base, including public sector, regulators, financial institutions, and a wide variety of businesses, focusing on empowering organizations to succeed now and in the future. The firm fosters a culture where collaboration, innovation, diversity, and inclusiveness are key.

Culture and Values

The company emphasizes an inclusive work environment with equitable opportunities and a strong focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion (ED&I) as central to workplace culture. Authenticity and integrity are valued traits, with respect for varied perspectives considered essential for better decision-making and client service.

Rewards and Recognition

Grant Thornton offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee well-being and career growth. Their 'Shout Out' recognition program encourages celebrating achievements and reinforcing organizational values through acknowledgments and awards.