Senior HR Advisor in Manchester

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. The role partners closely with HR leadership and the business to balance risk, compliance, and employee experience, ensuring outcomes that support organisational performance. In addition, the Senior Specialist contributes to the continuous improvement and evolution of People Advisory services, supporting a scalable, efficient, and high-performing HR operating model.

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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

ERM is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. 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’re here to support you. Our commitment doesn’t stop at hiring. Once you join us, we’ll ensure you have the tools, support, and adjustments needed to succeed and feel a true sense of belonging.