Employee Relations Partner - Vice President

Who we are

United by a sense of purpose towards our customers – to be a trusted partner for the long-term – and our universal banking platform in EMEA, SMBC Group has an international growth agenda and award-winning products, meaning we provide exciting opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects and initiatives. We deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers as well as investment banking and advisory services, and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets. Read on to find out how you could enhance your skills and gain valuable experience, by joining us to support our clients transition to a sustainable future.

Role Summary

Is the next step in your career at SMBC Group EMEA? We’re looking for a Vice President to join our Employee Relations Team within HR – a pivotal role in shaping positive and constructive employee relations across our growing organisation.As a leading financial services institution with an expanding workforce, we operate in a complex regulatory environment. This role is integral to advising and supporting line managers and HR Business Partners on ER case management, HR policy, and leadership development.

Managing and maintaining positive and constructive employee relations is an integral part of HR. As a financial services institution with an expanding workforce, we have an increasing volume of ER issues and a complex regulatory framework.

Employee Relations

To work with UK-based managers and HR Business Partners (HRBPs) to address workplace conflicts by aiming to resolve issues in a manner that creates a positive culture and healthy work environment. To minimise legal risk for the Bank by working with the Legal Counsel (internal and external) to provide HR and managers with Employee Relations (ER) advice and guidance as to how to effectively deal with employees, especially in complex and difficult situations.  To coordinate and monitor live ER matters, ensuring that these are progressed efficiently and swiftly and in compliance with the Bank’s policies and procedures.  Assist in building ER capability in the organisation and HR function.

Policies and Procedures

Work with other members of the relevant HR team to develop, communicate and implement employment policies and practices.  Ensure HR policies, procedures and documentation, including in relation to ER, are reviewed and updated regularly to remain up-to-date, relevant, fair and legally compliant. 

Business Area

The role sits within the UK Employee Relations team within HR and reports to the Employee Relations & HR Policy Director. In addition, the role will work closely with and support the HR Business Partners, Heads of HR across EMEA, the Chief Human Resources Officer, Line Managers and the Senior Employment Legal Counsel.

Position Description

Employee Relations

• Be the key point of contact for line managers and HRBP’s for ER matters.
• Be the subject matter expert for all ER matters, delivering consistent and appropriate ER advice and support to management and HR in a timely manner. Use your knowledge of employment law and the organisation’s policies and practices to propose recommendations and solutions, while balancing risk and business objectives. This may include advice in relation to grievances, disciplinary processes, appeals, redundancies, terminations, performance management, long term sickness absence, speak up or whistle-blower complaints and employment tribunal action.
• Take the lead on live ER cases (predominantly in the UK) and manage to conclusion in a timely manner, providing regular updates to relevant HRBPs, management and other stakeholders.  Conduct thorough investigations into issues as necessary, making recommendations for action.  Prepare relevant paperwork and investigation materials, coordinate investigations, arrange hearings, brief hearing managers, manage consultations with employees and maintain excellent records.
• Support the HRBPs and the businesses through change management initiatives including restructures and any subsequent integration, harmonisation and/or simplification, acquisitions and outsourcings.
• Support the management of DSARs, together with AskHR and external counsel/support where required.
• Maintain a central tracker of ER cases across EMEA, ensuring cases are managed and progressed efficiently and accurate records are maintained. Ensure all internal reporting of ER case load (e.g. to Risk and management) is managed in a timely and accurate manner.  Track ER costs for HR where needed and specifically those associated with employee litigation and disputes.

Policies and Procedures

• Support in the updating and maintenance of effective HR and ER processes, policies, practices and principles to ensure consistency, compliance with regulatory and employment law and best practice and mitigation of risks in a regulated environment. 
• Support the regular review process of the Employee Handbooks (Permanent, Ex-patriate, Temporary Workers and Agency Workers).
• Manage internal governance and approval actions required for policy implementation and changes.
• Assist the Senior Employment Legal Counsel to monitor changes to employment law and practices across EMEA and ensure that these are communicated to relevant stakeholders and integrated into existing policies and practices.
• Assist the Senior Employment Legal Counsel in the maintenance of existing employment document templates and the development of guidance, FAQs, additional templates etc.
• Assist the Senior Employment Legal Counsel and the Learning & Development team in the co-ordination and development of educational workshops for HRBPs and managers on policies, ensuring they are upskilled to deal with people in a fair, consistent and effective manner.
• Assist with ad hoc Bank and HR projects as required

Data and Governance

• Record , maintain and track case management data, supplying as required for Risk Committee and other Board Governance forums and providing regular Key Risk Data for Board and Risk Co packs
• Manage invoices for any third party ER suppliers as requested,  processing any invoices for Legal or other third parties in a timely and accurate way using the Bank’s invoicing systems.

Skills and Experience

• HR qualification or equivalent experience – minimum of 5 years experience within Employee Relations specific roles
• Experience of managing a range of complex and sensitive ER cases to resolution in the UK. Policy experience, or a demonstrable interest in policy development, is also required.
• You will have gained this experience preferably within the financial services sector and have an understanding of the regulatory environment and in particular, the impact of SMCR on employment policies and practices.
• Good understanding of UK employment law, and how to apply this in a commercial setting. Knowledge of employment legislation principles across EMEA is an asset but not required.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing, with strong attention to detail
• Possess strong influencing, negotiation and communication skills, experience dealing with multiple stakeholders in a complex structure.  Coaching and facilitation skills are an advantage.
• To be open and approachable with a team working and collaborative approach, while able to operate with a good degree of autonomy.
• Strong organisational skills
• Resilience
• Risk awareness

Competencies

What we offer

For all the expertise and experience you bring to help us make a difference, it’s only sustainable if we support you to build your career and be your best self so we offer competitive company benefits, centred around promoting positive well-bring and work-life balance. We also believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, where all team members perspectives and contributions are valued. Initiatives in place which promote a diverse and inclusive culture and healthy work life balance include hybrid working, Sport & Social Clubs and Diversity and Inclusion networks.

As an employee of SMBC you have access to a host of both useful and exciting benefit offerings. See below some of the benefits on offer to you:

• Hybrid and flexible working 
• Competitive paid leave days
• Benefits to support your physical wellbeing, including private medical insurance and life and invalidity insurance 
• Various policies to support your mental wellbeing, including a robust behavioural health network with counselling and coaching services  
• Access a wide range of learning and development opportunities and career progression opportunities 
• Ambitious remuneration package

So, if you like a challenge and want to continuously grow and develop in a role where you will be supported along the way by a dynamic and diverse team, apply today!!