Employee Relations Advisor in Manchester

Do you have proven Employee Relations or HR Advisory experience (ideally within the education sector)? Have you managed complex ER cases independently, including disciplinary, grievance, absence, capability, performance or safeguarding-related matters? Are you confident leading investigations, supporting hearings and preparing clear case documentation? Do you have strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice? Can you advise managers, senior leaders and academic teams on sensitive people matters with confidence and professionalism? Are you comfortable travelling between UK campus locations when required?

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Employee Relations Advisor to provide practical, legally compliant and people-focused HR support within a busy education environment. This role will suit someone who is confident managing a varied employee relations caseload from start to finish. You will work closely with managers, academic leaders and senior stakeholders, offering clear advice on formal and informal people matters. The successful candidate will play an important role in supporting fair, consistent and effective employee relations practices across multiple sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Employee Relations Case Management
  • Manage a full range of employee relations cases, including disciplinary, grievance, absence, performance, capability and safeguarding-related concerns.
  • Lead and support investigations, hearings and appeals in line with internal policies, UK employment law and education sector best practice.
  • Prepare accurate case notes, investigation summaries, letters, reports and outcome documentation.
  • Ensure all ER matters are handled fairly, confidentially and within agreed timescales.
• HR Advice and Manager Support
  • Provide clear and practical employee relations advice to line managers, academic leaders and senior staff.
  • Coach managers on how to deal with workplace issues confidently and appropriately.
  • Support decision‑making by balancing legal risk, employee wellbeing and organisational needs.
  • Build strong working relationships across departments and campus locations.
• Education Sector HR Support
  • Apply an understanding of the challenges faced in schools, colleges, universities or other education settings.
  • Support matters involving academic staff, student‑facing employees, conduct, attendance and safeguarding considerations.
  • Work with safeguarding, compliance and leadership teams where required.
• Policy, Compliance and Best Practice
  • Ensure advice and casework are aligned with UK employment law, safeguarding requirements and internal HR policies.
  • Support the review and improvement of HR policies, procedures and employee relations processes.
  • Promote fair, consistent and legally compliant people management across the organisation.
• Reporting and Record Keeping
  • Maintain accurate and confidential ER records.
  • Monitor employee relations trends, including absence, grievances, disciplinary cases and capability concerns.
  • Prepare reports and insights to support HR decision‑making, risk management and continuous improvement.
• Culture and Engagement
  • Contribute to a positive, inclusive and professional working environment.
  • Support initiatives that improve employee wellbeing, engagement and workplace culture.
  • Help promote high standards of behaviour, communication and collaboration across the organisation.

Essential Requirements

• Previous experience in an Employee Relations Advisor, HR Advisor or similar role.
• Experience working in a school, college, university or education provider.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and employee relations best practice.
• Ability to manage complex ER cases independently from start to finish.
• Experience supporting investigations, hearings, appeals and formal HR processes.
• Strong communication, influencing and conflict resolution skills.
• Confidence advising managers, senior leaders and academic staff.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to produce clear written documentation.
• High levels of discretion, confidentiality and professionalism.
• Ability to manage a busy caseload and prioritise effectively.
• Willingness to travel to other UK sites when required.

Desirable Experience

• ER experience within the education sector.
• CIPD Level 5 qualification or working towards it.
• Experience in a multi‑site education organisation.
• Knowledge of safeguarding processes within education.
• Experience preparing ER reports, case data and trend analysis.
• Experience supporting policy reviews or HR process improvements.

Personal Qualities

• Proactive and solution‑focused.
• Calm, resilient and confident when handling sensitive matters.
• Organised, accurate and able to work to deadlines.
• Approachable and professional with strong stakeholder management skills.
• Flexible and adaptable across changing priorities and locations.

Why Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Employee Relations Advisor to make a meaningful impact within a growing education setting. You will join a supportive HR team and help shape a positive employee relations culture across academic and professional services teams. The role offers variety, responsibility and the opportunity to work closely with leaders across multiple campus locations.