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Senior HR Advisor

Manchester Permanent £48,000 - £50,000 per year View Job Description
This Senior HR Advisor role offers the opportunity to lead complex employee relations and trade union negotiations across multiple schools in the North West for a growing education trust. You'll provide expert HR guidance to senior leaders, support organisational change, and mentor HR colleagues while enjoying a competitive package and hybrid working.
  • Impactful role: shape HR across schools and build strong union relationships.
  • Great package: £48-50k, 32 days holiday, pension, hybrid working.

About Our Client

The organisation is a well-established multi-academy trust committed to delivering exceptional education across the North of England. With a strong focus on student outcomes and values-driven leadership, the trust has grown significantly in recent years and now operates numerous primary and secondary academies. They are recognised for their collaborative culture, continuous improvement, and commitment to staff development, making them an employer of choice within the education sector.

Job Description

This is a senior-level advisory position, blending strategic input with hands-on delivery. You will:

  • Lead on complex employee relations casework, including safeguarding, senior-level grievances, disciplinary, capability and absence management.
  • Build strong relationships with trade unions, attending consultations and leading on TUPE, restructures and changes to terms and conditions.
  • Act as a trusted advisor to Principals and Executive Leaders, ensuring consistent and compliant HR practice across schools.
  • Support and mentor junior HR colleagues to strengthen capability in the region.
  • Contribute to HR policy development and ensure best practice across the organisation.
  • Support the team in recruitment for senior leadership roles (Vice Principal and above), advising on safer recruitment practices.

The Successful Applicant

A successful Senior HR Advisor should have:

  • Strong HR generalist background, ideally in education or a complex, unionised environment (e.g., NHS, local authority).
  • Extensive experience in employee relations, including TUPE, restructures, and safeguarding.
  • Skilled in building positive trade union relationships and handling challenging negotiations.
  • Confident and credible in working with senior leaders and making informed decisions.
  • CIPD Level 5 or equivalent experience.
  • Full driving licence and access to a car (business insurance required).

What's on Offer

  • Salary: £48,000 - £50,000 (top of band for exceptional candidates).
  • 32 days holiday plus bank holidays.
  • Local Government Pension Scheme.
  • Hybrid working (one day per week from home after induction).
  • Mileage reimbursement for travel.



Additional information:

  • Enhanced DBS required.
  • Regular travel across North West schools is essential.

If you're ready to take the next step in your HR career, apply now to become a Senior HR Advisor and make a tangible impact in a rewarding role.

Contact
Ben Pottas
Quote job ref
JN-082025-6821410
Phone number
+441512553765

Job summary

Job function
Human Resources
Subsector
Employee Relations
Sector
Not For Profit
Location
Manchester
Contract type
Permanent
Consultant name
Ben Pottas
Consultant phone
+441512553765
Job reference
JN-082025-6821410