Employee Relations Partner

Are you a subject matter expert on Employee Relations?

Do you thrive working independently?

Do you consider yourself to be results driven?

DS Smith could be looking for you!

DS Smith, a leading international sustainable packaging producer, is seeking an Employee Relations Consultant with a profound understanding and on a part time basis. DS Smith are producers of sustainable packaging solutions but also manufacture paper and provide recycling services. This role is ideal for an individual with experience in a standalone role, tenure driving strategic ER initiatives and case management skills. The successful applicant will be an individual ideally from the Manufacturing (or similar) industry.

Role:Employee Relations Partner

Location: 80% home based 20% office

Only applicants from the UK with full right to work in the UK can be considered on this occasion

There is the potential for some travel to Manufacturing sites but on an ad-hoc basis (expenses covered)

Rate: Competitive and based upon experience (Inside IR35)

Contract length: 3 months

Shifts: X3 days per week (flexible) and 7.5 hours per day (start and finish time flexible)

Start: ASAP (within one week)

Responsibilities:

• Supporting with upcoming change to the Employment Rights Bill, ensuring business compliance by developing/reviewing relevant policies and manager training/guidance (e.g. probation & sexual harassment) as needed, in addition to advising internal stakeholders as required

• Assess current training solutions and guidance packs for people managers in relation to absence, disciplinary, complaints and performance management and conduct external market research with the aim of developing a proposal for people manager upskilling going forward.

• To assist in the development of a roadmap for manager ER case self-service with the objective of developing tools to enable people managers to manage certain types of ER cases themselves without need of direct support from the ER case management team.

• Be part of the UK wide HR policy group whose purpose is to develop and deploy standard HR policies, adhering to any consultation obligations.
• Supporting ad hoc ER related activities as needed.

Essential requirements:

• Good understanding of UK Employment Law knowledge, including the Employment Rights Act 2025
• CIPD qualification (level 5 or 7) would be advantageous
• Previous experience working within ER within a Manufacturing, Industrial, Construction (or equivalent) industry (2+ years)
• The ability to work in a standalone position and work independently
• Profound knowledge around disciplinary, complaint and absence processes in accordance with UK employment legislation
• A confidential work from home set up with previous experience remote working
• Confidence working independently and upon own initiative
• Strong verbal and written communication skill
• Prior experience producing, delivering and reviewing training material to management
• Good IT literacy, especially with MS office and HR platforms

Benefits:

• Opportunity to influence policy and strategy with a global organisation
• Flexible working structure to fit with your work life balance
• Dedicated team throughout your journey within the role
• Connection with multiple individuals in your industry to enhance future prospects
• Exclusive online services including restaurant and retail discounts
• Chance to receive £300* for referring a friend
• Free access to lifestyle benefits including: Financial, Physical and Mental Health support
• Potential for direct pathways to permanent offerings

Randstad Business Support is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.