We’re seeking an experienced Interim HR Advisory Manager to lead a busy, high-performing HR Advisory function, with a strong focus on employee relations.
This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll take ownership of complex ER casework, provide expert advice on high-risk matters, and drive consistency and quality across both corporate and schools HR services.
You’ll play a key role in stabilising and evolving the service—ensuring robust governance, strong stakeholder confidence, and high-quality HR delivery.
Duration: 6 months
Day Rate: £450 up to £500 per day Umbrella (Inside IR35)
Location: Reading, RG1
Hybrid: 3 days onsite
Start: ASAP
About the role
We’re seeking an experienced Interim HR Advisory Manager to lead a busy, high-performing HR Advisory function, with a strong focus on employee relations.
This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll take ownership of complex ER casework, provide expert advice on high-risk matters, and drive consistency and quality across both corporate and schools HR services.
You’ll play a key role in stabilising and evolving the service—ensuring robust governance, strong stakeholder confidence, and high-quality HR delivery.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the HR Advisory service, ensuring effective delivery of employee relations activity across the organisation
- Actively manage and oversee a complex ER caseload (disciplinary, grievance, absence, performance)
- Provide expert guidance to senior leaders on high-risk and sensitive cases
- Lead, coach and develop a team of 4 HR Advisors, ensuring high standards of delivery and consistency
- Provide oversight and strategic direction to the Schools HR Manager and their team (SLA-based service)
- Ensure alignment, quality and consistency across corporate and traded HR services
- Maintain strong case management, governance and risk mitigation practices
- Ensure compliance with employment legislation and organisational policy
- Lead on the review and development of HR and ER policies, ensuring they are pragmatic and fit for purpose
- Use insight from casework to drive continuous improvement and policy in practice
About you
You’ll be a confident and credible HR leader with deep expertise in employee relations and the ability to make an immediate impact.
- Proven track record leading HR Advisory / ER functions in a complex organisation
- Significant experience managing high-risk and complex ER cases end-to-end
- Strong experience leading teams, including managing managers
- Skilled in translating policy into practical, operational delivery
- Experience in local government or similar environments (desirable)
- Exposure to traded HR services / SLA-based delivery (desirable)
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, high-volume ER environment
- Pragmatic, solutions-focused, and confident influencing senior stakeholders
- Able to quickly build credibility and deliver results with minimal supervision