Employee Relations Specialist

Job Overview Job title: Employee Relations Specialist Department: Human Resources Location: Hamble, Southampton, Hampshire Working Hours: Mon‑Fri, 37.5 hours per week (Hybrid) About CooperVision CooperVision is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of soft contact lenses with a presence in over 100 countries. Being part of CooperVision means helping improve the way people see each day. It’s more than making contact lenses – it’s about giving lens wearers freedom and confidence to move about their daily lives. We’re all about bright futures – for our people and those who wear our contact lenses. Job Summary As an Employee Relations Specialist, you will oversee and manage Employee Relations activities and Absence Management throughout UK Operations & Commercial business groups, within a shared service environment. You will track and manage all cases, provide high‑level advice and guidance, and partner with HR colleagues, line managers, and legal advisors to deliver a legally compliant and consistent best‑practice approach. This position reports into the Senior Manager, Employee Relations. Essential Functions & Accountabilities Act as the first point of contact for line managers on employee relations matters, providing specialist advice and solutions in line with current legislation. This will include disciplinary, grievances, investigations, and performance capability. Work closely with line managers to ensure they understand and comply with policies, procedures and best practice. Liaise with external solicitors on complex ER cases and manage employment tribunal claims as required. Develop the capacity of line managers to manage ER problems, fostering positive working relationships and minimizing line‑management issues. Partner with the business and HR representatives to manage a positive, best‑practice employee relations program for UK Operations & Commercial groups. Collaborate with HR Business Partners, HR Managers and HR Directors on projects and initiatives. Oversee absence management across Operations & Commercial to reduce absence levels. Review and update employee relations policies and procedures. Track, analyse and interpret ER metrics to provide insights on trends and opportunities. Work flexibly across the region, supporting colleagues on projects and activities. Travel Requirements The role is based in UK Operations at multiple sites – Hamble, Eastleigh and Chandlers Ford – and the Commercial business group at Delta Park, Fareham, Hampshire. Local travel across Hampshire is necessary; infrequent travel outside the UK may also be required. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Project management, teamwork, results orientation, departmental impact and self‑awareness. Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint, Outlook). Experience with HR information systems (Oracle, HCM advantageous). Excellent communicator, highly organised with experience supporting a high volume of ER cases. Experience in organisational change and restructuring programmes including redundancy and contractual variations. Well‑developed influencing skills to liaise with management at varying levels. Pragmatic problem‑solving capabilities. Knowledge of UK employment legislation. Articulate oral and written communication. High attention to detail with strong time‑management skills. Ability to coach, provide direction and convey difficult information. Highly motivated, self‑starter and responsible. Ability to build and develop relationships with stakeholders. Work Environment Office environment with a hybrid arrangement (2/3 days a week at home; 5 days in Spring 2026). Flexible hours to accommodate 24/7 shift patterns. Willingness to enter a cleanroom environment when needed. Prolonged use of PC, laptop, display screens and mobile phone. Experience & Education Detailed ER experience advising on complex disciplinary and grievance issues. Confidence in conveying difficult or challenging information. Degree level education; CIPD qualified (Level 5 minimum) or similar professional qualification. What We Offer Competitive compensation and a fantastic benefits package including 25 days holiday, pension scheme, access to our Wellness Platform, a discounted contact lens scheme and more. We are committed to our employees’ personal and professional development, offering extensive training and access to LinkedIn Learning to support career growth. What You Can Expect As a CooperVision employee, you’ll be welcomed into a diverse and progressive global business that values an inclusive culture. Your different perspectives will add value and contribute to our success. Equal Opportunity All suitably qualified applicants will receive equal consideration and opportunities from CooperVision. Apply Please view our careers page at https://hcjy.fa.us2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1 to view all other opportunities. Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level Employment Type Full‑time Job Function Human Resources Industry Medical Equipment Manufacturing #J-18808-Ljbffr