At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex HR cases and provide expert advisory services across the UK & Ireland.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on continuous improvement and capability building.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee relations and shape HR strategies.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in employee relations and strong knowledge of UK employment law.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
The People Advisory Senior Specialist plays a critical role in delivering high‑quality, consistent, and commercially aligned HR advisory services across the UK & Ireland. Acting as a senior escalation point, this role leads on complex and high‑risk employee relations matters, drives quality and consistency across advisory practices, and strengthens the overall capability of the People Advisory team.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Complex Case Management & Escalation: Lead the resolution of complex, sensitive, and high‑risk employee relations cases, ensuring balanced, commercially sound, and legally compliant outcomes. Act as the primary escalation point for People Advisory Specialists, resolving issues at the appropriate level and minimising unnecessary escalation to management. Provide clear direction on case strategy, risk mitigation, and stakeholder management in complex scenarios.
- Quality Assurance, Standards & Continuous Improvement: Ensure consistency, accuracy, and compliance in all advisory outputs, aligned to policy, employment law, and best practice. Identify themes and trends from casework to inform process improvements, policy updates, and proactive risk management. Partner with stakeholders (e.g., HRBPs, Legal, Optimisation/Projects teams) to continuously improve and streamline processes, enhancing efficiency and scalability.
- Policy Development & Governance: Lead the development, review, and implementation of HR policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with current legislation and organisational priorities. Act as a subject matter expert in UK (and broader EMEA where relevant) employment law and ER best practice. Ensure effective rollout and embedding of policies through clear communication, guidance, and training.
- Strategic HR Contribution: Partner with HR leadership to shape and implement strategic HR priorities. Use data, insights, and trends to proactively identify risks and opportunities, influencing decision‑making and improving employee experience. Contribute to workforce and ER strategies that support organisational performance and cultural alignment.
- Leadership & Capability Building: Act as a senior leader within the People Advisory team, setting expectations for quality, consistency, and professionalism. Coach and develop People Advisory Specialists, building capability in complex case management, judgement, and stakeholder engagement. Support knowledge sharing and continuous development across the team to strengthen overall advisory capability.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Business Partnering: Build strong, credible relationships with key stakeholders, providing expert, pragmatic HR advice. Support and guide stakeholders through complex ER matters, balancing business needs with risk and employee experience. Contribute to discussions on ER strategy and organisational change, ensuring alignment between People and business priorities.
- Projects & Change Management: Lead or contribute to HR and cross‑functional projects, particularly those focused on process improvement, service delivery, and operating model evolution. Support the design and implementation of scalable advisory processes, including alignment with shared services and global delivery models. Ensure effective adoption of change through clear communication and stakeholder engagement.
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
- Expert Employee Relations Capability: Extensive experience managing complex and high‑risk cases, with strong judgement and risk assessment capability.
- Employment Law & Policy Expertise: In‑depth knowledge of UK employment law (EMEA exposure desirable), with experience translating this into practical guidance and policy.
- Commercial & Strategic Thinking: Ability to balance legal risk, business needs, and employee experience to drive effective outcomes.
- Leadership & Coaching: Proven ability to develop others, drive team standards, and build capability within an advisory function.
- Analytical & Insight‑Driven: Strong ability to interpret data, identify trends, and translate insights into actionable improvements.
- Exceptional Communication & Influencing Skills: Able to engage, challenge, and build credibility with stakeholders at all levels.
We welcome talent from all backgrounds and provide equal opportunities for every candidate. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or need accommodations during the selection process, we are here to support you. ERM is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.
Senior HR Advisor employer: Environmental Resources Management (ERM)
As a Senior HR Advisor at our company, you will be part of a dynamic People Team that values collaboration, innovation, and professional growth. We offer a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and development, with opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement in the vibrant cities of London or Manchester. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying competitive benefits and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Contact Details:
Environmental Resources Management (ERM) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior HR Advisor
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Environmental Resources Management (ERM)!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Environmental Resources Management (ERM).
We think you need these skills to ace Senior HR Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Environmental Resources Management (ERM). Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Environmental Resources Management (ERM) and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Environmental Resources Management (ERM). List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Environmental Resources Management (ERM)'s values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Environmental Resources Management (ERM)
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Environmental Resources Management (ERM).
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Environmental Resources Management (ERM) will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Environmental Resources Management (ERM) and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
