Senior HR Manager, Employee Relations, Policy and EDI

Harvey Nash Group; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 59,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Job summary

Harvey Nash Group seeks a Senior HR Manager to lead Employee Relations, Employment Policy, HR Business Partnering and EDI across a complex public sector environment. The role requires strategic advisory capability for senior leaders and strong trade union liaison.

Based in Edinburgh on a hybrid model (2 days in office, some travel). The post focuses on policy development, governance, risk oversight, and evidence-based people decisions to drive inclusive practices.

Qualifications

• Experience leading complex employee relations cases and advising senior leaders.
• Proven ability to develop and implement employment policies.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and governance.

Responsibilities

• Lead on complex employee relations matters and provide strategic advice.
• Develop and review employment policies for the organisation.
• Engage with trade unions and key stakeholders to resolve issues.
• Oversee risk, governance, and workforce planning.
• Support EDI initiatives and inclusive employment practices.
• Translate legislation into practical policy and guidance.

Skills

Employee relations

Policy development

Stakeholder management

HR policy advice

Data-driven decisions

EDI initiatives

Education

Chartered CIPD member

Job description

Senior HR Manager - Employee Relations, Policy & EDI

6-Month Contract | £350 per day | Inside IR35

Edinburgh (Hybrid, 2 days per week in office with some travel.

My client is seeking an experienced Senior HR Manager to provide strategic leadership across Employee Relations, Employment Policy, HR Business Partnering, and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion within a complex public sector environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on complex employee relations and workforce matters.
• Provide expert HR advice to senior leaders and directors.
• Build effective relationships with trade unions and key stakeholders.
• Lead the review, development, and implementation of employment policies.
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation and best practice.
• Support EDI initiatives and inclusive employment practices.
• Oversee organisational risk, governance, and workforce planning.

Essential Experience

• Managing complex employee relations cases.
• Providing strategic HR advice at senior management level.
• Working with recognised trade unions.
• Developing and implementing employment policies.
• Interpreting UK employment legislation and translating it into practical policy.
• Operating within complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

Essential Requirements

• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and employee relations.
• Excellent stakeholder management, influencing, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to analyse workforce data and provide evidence-based recommendations.
• Chartered Member of the CIPD.

Ideally you will have Public sector or government experience, EDI programme delivery and cultural change initiatives and Employment tribunal preparation and legal liaison experience.