Senior HR Advisor (Operations) - Contract

Location: Hybrid

Duration: Initial 3-6 months (likely extension)

Day Rate / Salary: £248 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