HR Advisory Manager

. Location: London, London, United Kingdom Job ID: R Date Posted: 2026-01-09 Company Name: HITACHI RAIL LIMITED Profession (Job Category): Human Resources Job Schedule: Full time Remote: NoA career at Hitachi Rail will help create a legacy. With operations in every corner of the world, our work goes to the cutting-edge of digital transformation and technology. From the multi-cultural strength of our global organisation to the sustainable and innovative ways we work to bring people together, there's something for everyone to get stuck into. And that's where you come in. Job Description: Job title: HR Advisory Manager Contract Type: Permanent Location: Hybrid, UK wide Salary £60-68,000 DOE Your new role Here at Hitachi Rail we have an opportunity for an HR Advisory Manager to join our in house HR team, managing a team of HR Advisors and providing expert leadership.As HR Advisory Manager, you will be responsible for leading a team of HR Advisors, providing guidance and oversight on complex employee relations matters, while also managing their own portfolio of cases. The post holder will ensure consistent application of HR policies, support line managers in resolving employee issues, and contribute to strategic initiatives that enhance employee engagement and operational effectiveness.Other key responsibilities include, but not limited to: Leadership & Team Management: Allocate caseloads, monitor performance, and ensure continuous professional development within the team and act as a point of escalation for complex or high-risk cases Employee Relations Advisory: Provide expert advice and support to managers on a wide range of employee relations issues including disciplinary, grievance, absence management, performance, and conflict resolution Support investigations and hearings, ensuring procedural fairness and consistency Manage Employment Tribunal claims, working with the Legal team to ensure risks are managed effectively Policy & Compliance: Ensure HR policies and procedures are up-to-date, legally compliant, and aligned with industry best practices Monitor trends in ER cases and provide insights to inform policy development and training needs Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships with operational leaders, trade union representatives, and other stakeholders to promote a collaborative working environment Support change management initiatives, including restructures, TUPE transfers, and workforce planning Work closely with the Industrial Relations (IR) Manager and Centres of Excellence (CoEs), acting as the key liaison between advisory teams and specialist HR functions Performance Management Provide expert guidance on the full performance management lifecycle, including objective setting, probation reviews, informal improvement plans, and formal capability processes Ensure managers are equipped to identify and address performance concerns early, using both supportive and corrective approaches Oversee complex and high-risk performance cases, ensuring fair process, legal compliance, and proportionate action Analyse performance management trends to identify capability gaps and recommend training or interventions Work closely with L&D or Talent teams to align performance management with wider capability frameworks and organisational goals Occupational Health Management Oversee the Occupational Health (OH) provision to ensure it meets business needs and statutory requirements whilst monitoring the effectiveness of OH interventions Act as the primary liaison with the Occupational Health Account Manager to review service performance, case trends, and contract effectiveness Collaborate with Health & Safety, Procurement, and Finance teams to ensure seamless delivery of workplace health services, including health surveillance, fitness-to-work assessments, and wellbeing initiatives Reporting & Analytics: Maintain accurate records of ER cases and produce regular reports for senior management Use data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement Continuous Improvement: Drive initiatives to improve employee engagement, reduce ER case volumes, and enhance manager capability About you Key Skills & Experience Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience developing HR professionals In-depth knowledge of UK employment law and HR policies, particularly in unionised and industrial environments Proven ability to manage complex employee relations cases with professionalism and discretion Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills Ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels, including trade unions and operational leaders Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and identify trends Experience in managing change processes such as restructures, TUPE, and organisational development Proficient in HR systems and case management tools Significant experience in employee relations within a manufacturing, engineering, or industrial settingQualifications CIPD Level 5 or above (or equivalent HR qualification) Degree in Human Resources, Employment Law, or related field (preferred) Evidence of continuous professional development in employee relations or employment law What we offer We value the importance of all of our employees, if you would like to join our fantastic organisation you could be entitled to: Competitive salary Annual Performance bonus paid on discretionary basis. 25 days holiday Pension scheme with contributions up to 9% Private medical insurance Personal Accident insurance Group Income protection Group Life Insurance Employee Assistance ProgrammeWe also offer additional perks for you to choose from within a flexible plan that will meet your specific needs and lifestyle At Hitachi Rail, there is a place for everyone. We welcome and value differences in background, age, gender, sexuality, family status, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, and world view. It is our commitment to create an inclusive environment - we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We would be delighted if you would be one of our followers at Our people love technology - and they love making a difference. They have a passion for finding new solutions and working with brilliant colleagues. Every day they dedicate themselves to a huge range of exciting projects, contributing to the Hitachi vision around the globe.From engineering new sustainability solutions that conserve water and energy to creating the infrastructure for the smart cities of tomorrow, there's no challenge too great for our pioneers. And there's no shortage of opportunities for you to make a difference.Come and experience the dynamic, collaborative and creative environments where your ideas are welcome and new discoveries are waiting. To help you grow to your full potential, we strive to support our employees in their career aspirations and promote the freedom to explore new horizons.