We are seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking HR leader to join UWE Bristol as an Advisory Services Manager with a specialist focus on Employee Relations and conflict resolution.
This is a key leadership role within our Advisory Services, providing direction and support to a team of eight People Partners and two People Services Advisors, and driving a culture that prioritises early, person‑centred and constructive resolution of workplace issues. You will play a central role in strengthening the University’s approach to complex casework and enabling confident people leadership across the institution.
In this position, you will:
- Lead, mentor and develop a team of People Partners and Advisors, building capability, consistency and confidence in ER practice.
- Oversee the management of complex, high‑risk and sensitive ER casework, ensuring outcomes that are fair, timely and aligned to ACAS and UWE policy.
- Shape and embed the University’s evolving Resolution Framework, championing approaches that prioritise early intervention, constructive conversations, alternative dispute resolution, and positive conflict navigation through the Resolution Centre.
- Strengthen governance, quality assurance and consistency across all ER activity, driving continuous improvement in documentation, process and case management.
- Act as the key liaison with recognised trade unions, fostering transparent, collaborative and solutions‑focused partnership working.
- Provide senior HR advice on organisational change, restructures and complex people matters, supporting leaders with clarity and confidence.
- Promote inclusive, person‑centred and trauma‑informed practice in line with UWE values and the University’s strategic commitment to anti‑racism and equity.
About You
You will bring:
- Significant experience managing complex ER matters in a large, unionised organisation.
- Proven leadership of HR professionals and an ability to develop high‑performing teams.
- Expertise in conflict resolution, alternative dispute resolution approaches and building early‑resolution cultures.
- Excellent judgement, communication and influencing skills.
- Commitment to continuous improvement and inclusive, values‑led HR practice.
This is a high‑impact role at the heart of People Services – supporting a major cultural shift in how the University approaches conflict, dignity at work and people leadership.
Where you will be working
UWE Bristol is a campus‑based University, with vibrant campus communities that are central to student life.
In this role, you’ll be based at our modern Frenchay Campus where we’ve invested in state‑of‑the‑art facilities designed to help both staff and students succeed.
You’ll spend most of your time on campus, typically three days per week with the opportunity to work from home on the remaining days.
Why UWE Bristol?
We are one of the largest providers of Higher Education in the South West with 38,000 students and 4,000 staff from right across the globe. Based in vibrant Bristol, our ambitions are to make a positive difference to our planet, transforming futures through actions and solving real world challenges.
We offer a wide range of employee benefits including progressive pay rates, very generous annual leave and career average pension schemes as well as retail savings, onsite nursery and opportunities for training and personal development.
Add your individuality to ours
UWE Bristol recognises the power of a truly diverse university community.
We’re part of a vibrant, multicultural city and welcome talented people from all backgrounds. Diversity is our strength, enhancing creativity, decision‑making, and problem‑solving. Join our supportive community and thrive.
We particularly encourage applications from global majority candidates as we are currently under‑represented in this area, however all appointments are made strictly on individual merit.
As a Disability Confident employer, we encourage applications from disabled or neurodivergent candidates.
Further information
If you would like to speak to us to find out more about this role, please contact Sam Pond email: sam.pond@uwe.ac.uk
Interviews are scheduled to take place at our Frenchay Campus on Thursday 16 April 2026.
This is a full‑time, permanent post.
This post is available on a job share basis for applicants wishing to work part time.
Salary offers are made in line with the University’s salary assessment guidelines, reflecting your relevant skills and experience in parity with colleagues.
Right to Work in the UK
If offered a role, you will need to provide valid documentation confirming your right to work in the UK before employment begins. Guidance on acceptable documents is available via the Home Office Right to Work Checklist.
We may be able to sponsor eligible candidates for this role under the Skilled Worker visa route subject to meeting its eligibility criteria; however, visa sponsorship eligibility is assessed only at offer stage, being invited to interview does not indicate an offer of sponsorship.
Please review our Skilled Worker Guidance and UK Government website to assess your eligibility. If you do not qualify you may wish to explore other visa options.
Please note that UWE Bristol does not cover any visa or health surcharge costs.
Next Steps
We’d love to hear from you – if this role excites you, please complete our application form as soon as possible and tell us how your skills and experience meet the criteria listed in the Person Specification, using clear and relevant examples wherever possible.
We’ll keep you informed of the outcome by email once shortlisting is complete.
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