Employee Relations Consultant (Fixed-Term Until April 2027)

About the Role

Carnival UK, encompassing P&O Cruises and Cunard, is renowned in the holiday and cruise sector for providing exceptional guest experiences. As part of our ongoing commitment to positive workplace engagement and professional excellence, we are seeking a dedicated Employee Relations Consultant for a full-time, fixed-term contract until April 2027. This position is based onsite in Southampton and sits at the CUK09 level within our organizational structure. Hybrid working is available, allowing up to two days working from home each week.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage complex employee relations matters, including disciplinary, grievance, investigation, and absence processes for both shore-based and fleet staff.
• Deliver counsel and coaching to managers, carefully weighing business risks and offering practical solutions aligned with company values.
• Ensure compliance with current UK employment legislation and best practices in employee relations to guide sound decision-making.
• Support a high volume of ongoing employee relations cases within a large, multifaceted organization.

Required Skills and Experience

• Extensive experience managing and advising on intricate employee relations matters, with a keen understanding of legal frameworks and risk assessment.
• Deep knowledge and practical application of UK employment law, particularly in supporting disciplinary, grievance, investigation, and sickness absence processes.
• Proven ability to advise, influence, and constructively challenge stakeholders in a large-scale organizational context.
• Resilience and strong communication skills (both verbal and written), paired with a customer-centric mindset and the capacity to support all levels of management.
• Proactive, pragmatic approach to problem-solving, thriving under pressure and managing workloads efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

Our Company Culture

At Carnival UK, diversity and inclusion fuel our success. We wholeheartedly encourage candidates of all backgrounds and experiences—whether or not you meet every single requirement—to apply if you are passionate about people development and eager for professional growth. Our teams exemplify high standards, integrity, and a drive to support safe, sustainable, and client-focused operations.

Perks & Benefits

• Discounted cruise rates for employees and offers for friends and family
• Annual performance bonus
• A minimum of 25 days annual leave, enhanced by bank holidays and a holiday trading scheme
• Regular onsite events including entertainment, wellness programs, and charitable initiatives
• Comprehensive learning, development, and leadership opportunities
• Employee-led resource networks
• Employee Assistance and Wellbeing services
• Health Cash Plan (company funded) and free health assessments
• Onsite access to occupational health and digital GP
• Life Assurance coverage
• Parental and adoption leave support
• Employee shares plan
• Onsite restaurant with healthy meal options
• Contributory defined contribution pension scheme

Additional Information

We may close applications earlier than posted due to high demand. For additional details on the selection process, consult our Candidate Journey Map. We prioritize candidate well-being and career development in every step of the recruitment process.