Senior HR Advisor

Page Personnel; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 48,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-known multi-academy trust based in England is seeking a Senior HR Advisor to shape HR strategies across schools and develop strong union relationships. The role involves leading complex employee relations casework and advising senior leaders. The successful candidate will have a strong HR generalist background, particularly in unionized environments, and will benefit from a competitive salary of £48,000 - £50,000, along with 32 days of holiday and hybrid working options.

Benefits

Local Government Pension Scheme

Mileage reimbursement for travel

32 days holiday plus bank holidays

Qualifications

• Experience in a complex, unionised HR environment.
• Proven track record in employee relations matters.
• Ability to handle challenging negotiations confidently.

Responsibilities

• Lead employee relations casework including safeguarding and grievances.
• Build relationships with trade unions and attend consultations.
• Act as an advisor to Principals and Executive Leaders.
• Mentor junior HR colleagues to enhance their skills.
• Support recruitment for senior leadership roles.

Skills

HR generalist background

Employee relations expertise

Building trade union relationships

Confidence in negotiations

Decision-making ability

Education

CIPD Level 5 or equivalent

Job description

• 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.