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