Are you an experienced HR leader who is passionate about handling complex employee relations with care, confidence and fairness?

We’re seeking a forward-thinking Advisory Services Manager with a specialist focus on Employee Relations and conflict resolution to play a pivotal role in shaping how workplace issues are managed across a large, values-led organisation.

This is a high-impact leadership role within Advisory Services, where you’ll provide direction, coaching and support to a team of  People Partners and HR Advisors, while championing a culture that prioritises early, person-centred and constructive resolution.

You’ll sit at the heart of a significant shift in how complex casework, conflict and people leadership are approached — strengthening capability, consistency and confidence across the organisation.

About the role

In this role, you will:

• Lead, mentor and develop a team of People Partners and HR Advisors, building confidence, capability and consistency in Employee Relations practice.
• Oversee complex, high-risk and sensitive ER casework, ensuring outcomes are fair, timely and aligned with ACAS principles and internal policy.
• Shape and embed an evolving Resolution Framework, championing early intervention, constructive conversations, alternative dispute resolution and positive conflict navigation.
• Strengthen governance, quality assurance and consistency across all ER activity, driving continuous improvement in processes, documentation and case management.
• Act as the primary point of contact for recognised trade unions, fostering transparent, collaborative and solution-focused relationships.
• Provide senior HR advice on organisational change, restructures and complex people matters, enabling leaders to act with clarity and confidence.
• Promote inclusive, person-centred and trauma-informed practice, supporting organisational commitments to equity, dignity and respect at work.

About you

You’ll bring strong operational credibility alongside compassionate leadership, with:

• Significant experience managing complex ER matters within a large, unionised organisation.
• A proven track record of leading and developing HR professionals and building high-performing teams.
• Expertise in conflict resolution, alternative dispute resolution approaches and embedding early resolution cultures.
• Excellent judgement, communication and influencing skills, with the confidence to hold the line when needed.
• A commitment to continuous improvement and values-led, inclusive HR practice.

Working pattern & flexibility

This organisation is genuinely open to flexible working and understands the importance of balance:

• Full-time or part-time considered (4 or 3.5 days per week, with a preference for 4 days if part-time)
• 37-hour working week
  • Monday–Thursday: 8:30–5:00
  • Friday: 8:30–4:30
• Hybrid working, with an expectation of around 3 days on site, flexibility considered where possible

Benefits

• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
• 6.5 additional closure days (including Christmas and New Year)
• Defined benefit pension scheme (local-authority style)
• Free on-site parking and good public transport links

This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior, influential ER role where your expertise will genuinely shape culture, strengthen leadership capability, and improve how people experience difficult moments at work.