Interim Senior HR Manager
Location: Edinburgh
Contract: 6-month temporary assignment
Working pattern: 35 hours per week
Hybrid working: Minimum two days per week in the office (Tuesday and Wednesday)
Salary: £61,220 - £75,762
Are you an experienced senior HR professional with a strong background in employee relations, employment law and strategic HR advice?
We are delighted to be supporting a large, established public sector organisation in Edinburgh with the appointment of an Interim Senior HR Manager to provide leadership across Employment Advice, Policy and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion.
This is an excellent opportunity to step into a senior-level HR position within a complex and high-profile organisation, working closely with senior leaders and contributing to significant organisational priorities and workforce matters.
The role is available for an initial six-month period, with an anticipated start date no later than 14 December 2026.
The Opportunity
Reporting into the wider HR function, you will provide strategic leadership across Employee Relations, HR Business Advice and Employment Policy Development.
You will take ownership of complex workforce matters, provide expert employment advice and support managers and senior stakeholders in navigating sensitive people issues, organisational change and employment risk.
Key responsibilities will include:
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Providing strategic leadership across Employee Relations, HR Business Advice and Employment Policy.
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Overseeing complex employee relations cases, including disciplinary, grievance, capability, attendance management and organisational change matters.
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Providing expert, risk-based advice and recommendations to senior leaders and operational managers.
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Supporting conflict resolution through coaching, negotiation, mediation and formal processes.
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Maintaining oversight of active ER cases, ensuring timely progression and effective resolution.
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Supporting Employment Tribunal preparation and working alongside employment law specialists where required.
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Developing, reviewing and implementing employment policies and procedures.
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Building effective relationships with trade unions and staff representative groups.
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Ensuring employment legislation, best practice and equality considerations are embedded within people policies and decision-making.
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Using workforce data and employee relations trends to identify risks, inform decisions and drive service improvements.
About You
We are looking for an established HR professional who can operate confidently at a senior level, influence stakeholders and provide credible advice on complex employment matters.
You will ideally bring:
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Significant experience managing complex employee relations casework within a sizeable organisation.
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Strong knowledge of UK employment law and employee relations best practice.
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Experience advising on sensitive and high-risk employment matters, including disciplinary, grievance, capability and attendance issues.
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Experience working with trade unions and employee representatives, including collective consultation.
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Experience developing, reviewing or implementing HR and employment policies.
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An understanding of Employment Tribunal processes and employment-related risk management.
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The ability to build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and confidently challenge and influence where required.
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Strong analytical, communication, report-writing and problem-solving skills.
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CIPD membership.
Experience of advancing Equality, Diversity & Inclusion agendas would also be advantageous.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced HR leader to broaden their strategic experience, take on a high-profile interim assignment and work closely with senior stakeholders on complex organisational and workforce priorities.
You'll gain exposure to significant transformation activity, influence people policy and practice, and play an important role in maintaining a high-quality HR advisory service during a period of organisational change.
Interested?
We are looking to submit CVs from interested candidates by close of play Friday 20 November 2026, with interviews anticipated the following week.
If you have the senior HR experience outlined above and are available for an interim opportunity, please get in touch as soon as possible to discuss the role.