If you9re an experienced employee relations professional who thrives on complex casework, confident decision‑making, and coaching managers to achieve fair, timely and legally robust outcomes, this role is built for you.
You9ll join a proactive, collaborative HR team supporting managers across the University to navigate the full spectrum of employee relations activity — disciplinary, grievance, sickness absence, capability, performance, dignity at work, probation, flexible working and organisational change. The work is varied, fast‑paced and intellectually engaging, with plenty of scope to shape practice, influence culture, and strengthen people management capability.
What will you be doing?
- Providing professional, pragmatic HR advice on all employee relations matters
- Managing a diverse caseload and supporting managers through formal processes
- Conducting and supporting investigations, drafting high‑quality correspondence, and preparing documentation for hearings and tribunals
- Coaching managers to build confidence, consistency and legal compliance
- Advising on organisational change including restructures, redeployment, redundancy and TUPE
- Working closely with HR Business Partners on complex or high‑risk cases
- Developing toolkits, guidance and resources to strengthen people management capability
- Collaborating with trade union representatives and contributing to positive employee relations
- Supporting policy development, continuous improvement and HR project delivery
- Ensuring accurate record‑keeping, confidentiality and compliance with employment legislation and University policies
What you9ll bring to the role
- Strong working knowledge of UK employment law
- Significant experience managing a broad employee relations caseload
- Excellent judgement, influencing skills and the ability to coach managers
- Confident drafting skills — letters, reports, investigation summaries, outcome letters
- Ability to interpret legislation and apply policy pragmatically
- Experience conducting or supporting investigations
- Resilience, calmness under pressure and a solutions‑focused mindset
- Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and freedom of speech within the law
- Professional HR qualifications (CIPD) and ideally mediation/conflict resolution training
Why join our team?
Working closely with HR Business Partners and senior colleagues you9ll be part of a supportive HR team committed to continuous improvement, positive employee relations and high‑quality people management. You9ll have opportunities to contribute to policy development, organisational change, wellbeing initiatives and manager capability building — shaping the employee experience across the University.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who can hit the ground running, and enjoys building strong relationships, solving problems and making a real impact on the employee experience.
If you9re looking for an opportunity to develop your HR career within a collaborative and forward-thinking team, we' d love to hear from you.
Join us and help shape an exceptional employee experience.
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Please note, the University reserves the right to shorten/extend the closing date of any position where a high/low volume of applications are received.
Successful applicants will be required to prove their right to work in the UK prior to the commencement of their employment.
Whilst the University of Greater Manchester is a licensed sponsor, under UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) not all roles are eligible for visa sponsorship.
This position may not meet the criteria for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
Eligibility will be assessed in line with the Home Office requirements at the time of making the offer.
For further information, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/your-job
HR Advisor - Employee Relations in Bolton employer: University of Greater Manchester
As an Outreach Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship employer, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the growth and development of our employees. Our commitment to social impact means you will play a vital role in transforming lives within the community while gaining valuable qualifications and experience in a dynamic environment. With access to ongoing training, mentorship, and a network of dedicated professionals, this position offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference while advancing your career in education and outreach.
Contact Details:
University of Greater Manchester Recruitment Team
