Senior Employee Relations Consultant - Human Resources

About Northern Trust
As a global leader in innovative wealth management, asset servicing, asset management and banking services, Northern Trust (Nasdaq: NTRS) is proud to guide the world’s most successful individuals, families, corporations and institutions.
Since 1889, we have aligned our efforts with our three guiding Principles That Endure: Service, Expertise, and Integrity. Together, they reflect the three cornerstones of business conduct which we strive to instill in our employees, whom we call partners, and to provide to our clients and the communities we serve worldwide.
With more than 135 years of financial experience and over 24,000 partners, we serve the world’s most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service.
Role
We are seeking an experienced Employee Relations professional to provide expert guidance and support on a broad range of complex employee relations matters. This role partners closely with managers, HR colleagues, Legal, and business stakeholders to ensure employee issues are managed effectively, consistently, and in line with company policies and applicable employment legislation.
The successful candidate will act as a trusted advisor, leading sensitive workplace investigations, mitigating risk, and supporting the development of a positive and compliant employee relations environment.
Key Responsibilities
Provide expert guidance to managers and HR partners on employee relations matters, including employee counselling, disciplinary processes, performance concerns, grievances, and terminations.
Lead and manage complex and sensitive employee relations investigations, partnering with Legal where required.
Interpret and advise on company policies, procedures, and employment legislation.
Partner with business leaders and HR teams to identify and address employee relations risks and trends.
Support the resolution of workplace issues through effective consultation, coaching, and problem solving.
Develop recommendations and implement improvements to policies, practices, and procedures based on investigation outcomes and lessons learned.
Collaborate with HR, Legal, Compliance, and business stakeholders to ensure consistent and compliant employee relations practices.
Participate in HR and cross-functional projects aimed at enhancing employee experience, policy effectiveness, and organizational effectiveness.
Analyze employee relations data and trends to identify opportunities for proactive intervention and continuous improvement.
Act as a mentor and resource to less experienced HR and Employee Relations professionals.
Lead employee relations initiatives and projects as required.
Handle highly sensitive and confidential matters with professionalism and discretion.
Knowledge & Experience
Minimum of 10 years' experience in Employee Relations, Human Resources, Employment Law, or a related discipline.
Extensive experience in Employee Relations, Human Resources, Employment Law, or a related field.
Strong knowledge of employment legislation, employee relations practices, workplace investigations, and HR policies.
Experience conducting complex workplace investigations and managing sensitive employee matters.
Ability to provide balanced, risk-aware advice in a fast-paced business environment.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management abilities.
Ability to build credibility and trusted relationships across all levels of the organization.
Valuable Competencies
Employee relations expertise
Workplace investigations
Employment law and policy interpretation
Coaching and influencing
Risk assessment and mitigation
Conflict resolution and negotiation
Communication and stakeholder management
Judgement and decision-making
Problem solving and analytical thinking
Collaboration and relationship building
Integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality
Continuous improvement mindset
Work Authorization
Applicants must have the right to work in the United Kingdom at the time of application and for the duration of employment.
Please note that Northern Trust is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role. This includes Skilled Worker visas, Global Business Mobility routes, Graduate visas, Youth Mobility Scheme, High Potential Individual visas, Scale-up Worker visas, Temporary Worker visas, and other employer-sponsored visa categories.
Working with Us
As a Northern Trust partner, you will be part of a flexible and collaborative work culture, which has a strong history of financial strength and stability. Movement within the organization is encouraged, senior leaders are accessible, and you can take pride in working for a company committed to an inclusive workplace and assisting the communities we serve.
Philanthropy is deeply rooted in Northern Trust’s history and is an essential element of our culture. Employees around the world give their time and talent to work for the greater good of their communities.
Reasonable Accommodation
Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing adjustments to individuals with health conditions and disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email our HR Service Center at MyHRHelp@ntrs.com, or alternatively you can discuss your individual requirements with the recruiter you are working with.