Head of HR Advisory

Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust is committed to creating a compassionate, inclusive and high‑performing workplace where people can thrive and deliver outstanding care.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and support a multi‑disciplinary HR Advisory team, building confidence, consistency and professional capability.
• Set clear standards, thresholds and expectations for employee relations practice, ensuring proportionality, fairness and legal robustness.
• Hold operational ownership of ER case management systems and use data and insight to drive learning and improvement.
• Act as senior professional lead on complex, sensitive and high‑risk employment matters.
• Support organisational resilience by contributing to preparedness for industrial action and workforce risk.
• Work in partnership with trade unions to foster a positive, constructive employee relations climate.
• Prepare and present clear, evidence‑based reports to senior governance forums and committees.

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree level qualification in Human Resources, Employment Law, Business Management or a related subject, or equivalent level of relevant professional experience.
• Evidence of ongoing continuing professional development relevant to senior HR practice.
• Significant senior level experience within an HR function in the NHS or a large, complex organisation.
• Substantial experience leading employee relations activity, including oversight of complex, high‑risk and sensitive cases.
• Proven experience of leading and managing professional HR teams, including HR managers and advisors.
• Experience of working in partnership with trade unions and staff‑side representatives in a complex employment environment.
• In‑depth knowledge of UK employment law and employee relations best practice.
• Strong understanding of the NHS workforce context, including Agenda for Change, organisational change processes and employee relations frameworks.
• Working knowledge of HR case management systems and their use in driving consistency, accountability and learning.
• Clear understanding of modern HR target operating models, including the distinct roles of Business Partners, Advisory services and transactional/employee services.
• Ability to provide clear, compassionate and accountable leadership in complex and pressurised environments.
• Excellent judgement and decision‑making skills, particularly in high‑risk and sensitive employment matters.

Desirable

• Experience of improving consistency, timeliness or quality of ER practice through process redesign or system improvement.
• Knowledge of restorative and just culture principles and their application within employment practice.
• Advanced facilitation or coaching skills.

Skills

• Excellent judgement and decision‑making skills, particularly in high‑risk and sensitive employment matters.
• Strong facilitation, coaching and communication skills.
• Ability to provide clear, compassionate and accountable leadership.

Benefits

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays (rising to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years).
• Excellent pension scheme.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Salary sacrifice car scheme.
• Wellbeing programme.
• Blue Light Card discounts.
• FuelGenie fuel cards (where applicable).

Additional Requirements

• Application requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.
• Applicants may be required to provide a criminal record certificate for each country of residence for the past 10 years.
• Applicants must hold current UK professional registration.
• Registered individuals seeking skilled worker sponsorship may be considered for the role.

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