Employee Relations Advisor (Maternity cover, Internal only)

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced HR professional to join our Human Resources department as an Employee Relations Advisor. This role offers an exciting opportunity to support a diverse academic and professional services workforce, helping to foster a positive, inclusive and high-performing working environment across the University. This will be a great opportunity to play a key role in advancing our commitment to positive employee experiences and creating an environment where colleagues can thrive.

As an Employee Relations Advisor, you will be supporting a broad range of stakeholders and colleagues across the University on a daily basis, in addition to contributing to key initiatives particularly including sickness absence management predominantly in our Professional Services department. You will partner closely with line managers and stakeholders supporting them to navigate people issues with confidence while ensuring compliance with employment legislation, policies and best practice.

A typical day may involve facilitating informal resolution discussions, supporting formal absence meetings, investigations and hearings and providing key guidance on support and internal policy. You will also triage and provide advice on a range of HR policies and practices, including disciplinary, grievance, performance, and wellbeing.

You will join a collaborative and supportive Employee Relations team within the wider HR function. The team works closely with the leaders and colleagues within various faculties and departments across the university as well as connecting directly with all teams across HR, including HR policy, HR Business Partners, Pay and Reward and Organisational Development.

We're looking for someone who can bring:
- Experience in coaching and supporting managers with HR processes
- Demonstrable experience managing employee relations casework
- Sound knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
- Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills
- Excellent communication, influencing and problem-solving skills

What we offer:
- A friendly, diverse, and supportive working environment
- A hybrid working arrangement with the blended approach of home and office working each week
- Generous holiday entitlement of 27 (30) days (or pro rata) plus standard bank holidays and five university closure days including closure between Christmas and New Year
- Our reward scheme grants bonuses of numerous values for excellent work
- We are committed to staff development through the provision of training, continued support, and career progression opportunities
- Access to a range of benefits and rewards, including fitness and health facilities, staff discounts, travel schemes and many more

This is a 12 month fixed term role covering maternity leave. Working hours are 36.25 hours per week. Part-time working (minimum 30 hours per week) and job share arrangements may also be considered. Please specify your preferred hours in your application.

This vacancy is open to employees of the University of Nottingham only.

Interviews are expected to take place week commencing 9th November 2026.