Senior HR Advisor (Operations)
SKILLS
FULL DESCRIPTION
A large, complex organisation is seeking an experienced Senior HR Advisor to join on a contract basis to support a busy HR operations function. This role is well suited to an HR professional who thrives in fast-paced, unionised environments and is confident managing complex employee relations casework from day one. You will act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, providing pragmatic, legally sound HR guidance while supporting change initiatives and operational priorities.
Location
Luton
, London
Sector
Public Sector
Contract Type
Contract
Salary
£ 250 per day - £ 260 per day
Competitive
Duration: Initial 3–6 months (likely extension)
Day Rate / Salary: £250 Per Day (inside IR35)
The Opportunity
A large, complex organisation is seeking an experienced Senior HR Advisor to join on a contract basis to support a busy HR operations function. This role is well suited to an HR professional who thrives in fast-paced, unionised environments and is confident managing complex employee relations casework from day one.
You will act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, providing pragmatic, legally sound HR guidance while supporting change initiatives and operational priorities.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide expert HR advice across the full employee lifecycle, including:
- Disciplinary, grievance, performance, absence, redundancy, and organisational change
- Equality, discrimination, bullying and harassment matters
- Recruitment, retention, and employment legislation (including TUPE)
- Manage and progress a varied caseload, including complex and high-risk ER matters
- Lead and support investigations, hearings, appeals, and formal HR processes
- Prepare and present HR input at meetings, panels, and hearings
- Work constructively with trade unions and employee representatives
- Support organisational change programmes in line with policy and best practice
- Contribute to HR policy interpretation, development, and implementation
- Support or lead HR project work, including data analysis and reporting
- Provide guidance and informal mentoring to HR colleagues where required
About You
Essential:
- Proven experience in a senior HR advisory or generalist contract role
- Strong background in employee relations within a unionised environment
- In-depth working knowledge of UK employment law
- Confident advising senior stakeholders on complex and sensitive matters
- Able to manage competing priorities and high-volume casework
- Available to work predominantly on-site due to hearings and stakeholder needs
Desirable:
- Public sector, education, or highly regulated environment experience
- CIPD qualified (or equivalent demonstrable experience)
- Previous interim or contract HR experience