Hays
Senior ER Advisor

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Hays Human Resources are delighted to be supporting a respected organisation in Manchester to recruit an experienced Senior Employee Relations Advisor on a temporary basis, for a 3-month period (likely to extend).
The position sits within a specialist Employee Relations team and will play a key role in ensuring the consistent application of employment legislation, people policies, and best practice across the organisation. The role focusses on complex employee relations casework, organisational change support, and coaching managers through sensitive people matters.
The role will suit an individual who is comfortable operating autonomously, partnering with managers and stakeholders, and navigating challenging employee relations issues with confidence and credibility.
The Role
As a Senior Employee Relations Advisor, you will provide expert guidance and practical support on a broad range of employee relations matters, helping leaders make fair, informed, and legally compliant decisions. Key responsibilities will include:
- Managing complex employee relations cases from initial consultation through to resolution.
- Providing specialist advice on disciplinary, grievance, capability, attendance, conduct, and workplace dignity matters.
- Supporting and coaching managers through investigations, hearings, and appeals.
- Advising on organisational change, restructures, consultations, and workforce-related projects.
- Building effective relationships with senior stakeholders and trade union representatives.
- Supporting the review and development of people policies, procedures, and management guidance.
- Identifying trends and risks through employee relations data and recommending appropriate interventions.
- Promoting consistency, fairness, and compliance across all employee relations activity.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
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About You
We are keen to speak with experienced HR professionals who have a strong background within complex employee relations and enjoy operating in a fast-paced environment. To be successful, you will be able to demonstrate:
- Significant experience managing complex employee relations cases independently.
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
- Experience supporting managers through formal processes and sensitive workplace issues.
- A confident and credible approach to stakeholder management and influencing.
- Experience supporting organisational change and consultation activity.
- Strong judgement, resilience, and attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and coaching skills.
- CIPD qualification, study towards CIPD, or equivalent practical experience.


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Experience within a unionised environment would be particularly advantageous, although candidates from other complex organisational settings will also be considered.
What's on Offer
- Salary up to £47,000.
- Hybrid working arrangements. (2 days on-site per week in Manchester centre).
- Opportunity to work on varied and complex employee relations matters.
- Exposure to organisational change and strategic people initiatives.
- A supportive, diverse, and collaborative People team environment.
- Immediate start opportunity.
What you need to do now:
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
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