Senior Employee Relations Adviser - Human Resources - 107372 - Grade 7 in Birmingham

Human Resources – Employee Relations Specialist (Grade 7)

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK

Full time, Fixed Term contract up to December 2027

Salary range: £36,636 – £46,049 (potential progression to £48,822)

Closing date: 12 May 2026

Role Summary

You will work within the Employee Relations (ER) Team to provide specialist HR services, manage a portfolio of ER cases, and support organisational change initiatives while building competency across the University.

Main Duties

• Provide proactive expert advice and support to line managers on complex ER cases (disciplinary, grievance, probation, absence, redeployment, appeals), exercising professional judgment and considering HR, legal, statutory, commercial and financial factors.
• Lead the delivery of allocated organisational change activity, including scoping, HR implications, trade union consultation, equality assessments, job evaluation, TUPE exercises, and ensuring consistent change‑management practice.
• Manage, deliver and monitor element projects or smaller full projects, representing the team on cross-institutional projects as required.
• Negotiate with trade unions and individuals on disputes, draft settlements, manage voluntary severance/redundancy, and obtain financial approval.
• Ensure a holistic, SLA-driven approach to all cases, collaborating with other HR teams and escalating matters appropriately.
• Sourcing, analysing and developing insights from data to identify process improvement opportunities and propose efficiencies.
• Coach and develop managers for investigations, hearings, and appeals; develop guidance, training and coaching material; promote early intervention methods.
• Deliver both generic and tailored training to managers where required.
• Act as an initial point of contact for complex enquiries related to ER case management, providing technical advice and early intervention strategies.
• Utilise the Work Tracking System effectively, ensuring records comply with GDPR and University policies.
• Apply policy and processes, evaluate impact, amend approach and contribute to policy development.
• Support development and monitoring of service standards across the function.
• Act as a role model championing University and HR values and consistent utilisation of UoB policy and processes.

Other Responsibilities

• Collaborate with manager and team for workload prioritisation and support of HR service delivery.
• Contribute to HR system development, testing and improvement.
• Participate in team meetings, 1‑1s and performance reviews, aligning personal skills with team and University needs.
• Cover for team members during demanding workloads and absences.
• Engage in Continuous Professional Development and liaise with internal and external colleagues.
• Support the development of others in the team and, where appropriate, deliver best‑practice sessions at wider HR meetings.
• Prioritise own workload, monitor activities and manage expectations of others.
• Demonstrate organisational understanding, identifying resource constraints when formulating solutions.
• Accurately capture staff data in HR systems, including work tracking.
• Assist managers in maximising use of HR systems and processes.
• Deliver best‑practice communication with internal and external customers.
• Promote equality and diversity, fostering an inclusive culture.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications and Experience

• Degree level or equivalent, with practical HR advisory experience or significant relevant experience demonstrating progressive responsibility.
• Level 7 CIPD qualification with a proven CPD record or significant operational experience in an Employee Relations role.
• Sound knowledge of Employment Law principles, case law and codes of practice.
• Knowledge of generalist HR practices (recruitment, performance management, family leave).
• Analytical skills for assessing issues and developing solutions.
• Experience influencing outcomes and resolving conflict.
• Experience writing complex, multi‑faceted reports.
• Experience designing and delivering training sessions for managers.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, relationship‑building and influencing skills; ability to cultivate strong relationships and act as a credible adviser.
• Ability to manage expectations of diverse stakeholders with conflicting priorities.
• Excellent organisational and multi‑tasking skills; methodical approach to work, with capacity to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Proactive, adaptable approach in a changing environment.
• Highly proficient IT skills, including MS Office; quick learning of new IT tools and software.
• Team orientation, working effectively with staff at all levels and supporting less experienced colleagues.
• Proven track record of independent operation within a busy, diverse team.
• Sound judgement and ability to reach considered decisions.
• Knowledge of Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics and ability to apply this in day‑to‑day activity.

Dimensions

Senior advisory role providing expert advice on ER and change matters across the University. Reports to the ER Manager and supports the Change consultant on complex employment issues.

Planning and Organising

Expected to plan and organise workload proactively, including management of own workload and potentially of others, delivering projects and contributing to service improvements.

Problem Solving and Decision Making

Review problems, develop and propose solutions for staff, processes and services, providing specialist advice and recommendations.

Internal and External Relationships

Establish and maintain strong working relationships with a wide range of internal stakeholders; use coaching and influencing skills to secure support for solutions.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment.