Colleague Relations Specialist – CR Services

Colleague Relations Specialist – CR Services

Because we strive to put people first.

Culture, our way.

People & Culture at Primark

What’s a career at Primark all about? The positive impact you’re making, the experiences you’re having and the people you’re with. You’re our inspiration. Embrace what sets you apart, own your career and develop in ways you never expected. Leave your mark. And do it your way.

What You’ll Do as a Colleague Relations Specialist

In your role, you’ll collaborate with different people across a range of skillsets. Here’s a flavour of your day-to-day:

CR Services

• Support the CR/LR Lead by owning the development, maintenance and facilitation of all CR training activities, including core training and ad hoc requirements; partner with the Talent, Culture, and Development CoE colleagues in-country on any local market training requirements
• Support the CR/LR Lead by serving as the subject matter expert for training / development programs that require CR input
• Support the CR/LR lead by owning the delivery of all CR training activities, including both in-person and virtual facilitation for core training programs as well as ad hoc programs as required based on business needs
• Support the CR/LR Lead by consolidating & analyzing CR data, including data management on exit interviews
• Support the CR/LR Lead by partnering with the Corporate Affairs Team and Internal Communications, Engagement, Community & Inclusion Team to ensure work products & programs reflect correct local CR nuances, legislation, etc.
• Support the CR/LR Lead by serving as subject matter expert for reward programs / materials that require CR input

Case Management

• Accountable for supporting and guiding on CR related concerns based on case load
• Partner with key stakeholders including P&C Business Partnering Team, Area Managers and Store Management to support great outcomes and bring matters to a resolution
• Be a trusted adviser and subject matter expert in supporting, coaching, guiding managers at all levels of the business, providing accurate and timely advice on all employee relations matters in line with our internal policies and procedures and consistent with good practice and employment law requirements including but not limited to: corrective action; capability (sickness and performance); flexible working; family leave; working time and probation cases
• Partner with P&C BPs to provide specialist guidance on complex Employee Relations matters, ensuring consistent application of policies and alignment with Primark Values & Behaviours and organizational values and legal standards.
• Foster strong, collaborative relationships with P&C BPs through regular communication, data insights, and skill enhancement initiatives to proactively address CR issues and support a positive employee experience
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills, both written and oral and be able to influence and impact colleagues at all levels
• Be proactive and creative in considering strategies and solutions
• Work collaboratively with other CR team members by sharing best practice and assisting with cases, as and when required
• Review CR documentation and provide feedback to stakeholders to ensure the content is clear, objective and legally compliant and manage this within the SLA timescales
• Provide regular employment law/ CR updates both written and in the form of live learning to clearly drive high standards
• Accurately and continuously update CR trackers
• Support the CR/LR Lead in providing timely and accurate responses to high profile employee relations queries
• Support senior managers in dealing with high profile CR cases, risk assessing situations, giving accurate and timely advice
• Liaise and escalate cases to relevant stakeholders on significant cases including but not limited to Corporate PR, D&I, Security, Legal, Compliance and Data Privacy, Profit Protection and Occupational Health.
• Liaise with external solicitors and key stakeholders in order to progress cases within required deadlines
• Attend employment tribunals if needed to support the key witnesses and represent the business and use key learnings to improve the quality of future advice and limit business risk
• Considers the relevant legislation when managing a case, assessing the risk and ensuring the company remains legally compliant. Proactively and consistently consider lessons learned and any follow up actions required
• Proactively keep up to date with all relevant legislative changes which affect the business
• Contribute towards, elevate and deliver new and existing training to support the upskilling of management teams

What You’ll Bring

Here at Primark, we want everyone to feel valued – so please bring your authentic self to work, of course with some other key experience and abilities for this role in particular:

• Strong and demonstrable experience in Employee Relations in a fast moving, multi-site organisation; including practical experience in managing day to day ER cases and change management projects
• Great up-to-date knowledge of employee relations practice and employment law
• Strong ability to coach and influence all levels of management on ER cases
• Ability to communicate effectively (both oral and written) and build relationships at all levels
• Ability to work well under pressure, be resilient, prioritise and meet deadlines
• Ability to demonstrate credibility within the organisation
• Good team working skills
• Communicate tactfully, professionally, diplomatically and confidentially at all times, providing regular updates to stakeholders
• Excellent technology skills

Does this sound like you? Great, because we can’t wait to see what you’ll bring. You’ll be supported within a team of equally capable people, celebrating who you are and aiding you reach your potential. At Primark, we’re excited about our future - and we’re excited to develop yours.

Important Details

Primark is an equal opportunity employer. Primark does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. Primark is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please email USACareers@primark.com with your request. This email is not for general employment inquiries or correspondence. We will only respond to those requests that are related to accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.