Music is Universal
It's the passionate and dedicated team at Universal Music who help make us the world's leading music company. From A&R to finance, legal to digital, sales to marketing, Universal Music is the place to grow and develop your career within a truly commercial and innovative business that leads in everything it does.
Everyone is welcome to apply for our roles, and we are determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment because of gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief, age, marital status, background, pregnancy, or caring responsibilities. We also recognise the importance of diversity of thought within our teams and are fully committed to embracing the talents of people with autism, dyslexia, ADHD, and other forms of neurocognitive variation.
We will always seek to make appropriate adjustments to recruitment, workplaces, and work processes to be fully inclusive to people with different needs and working styles. If you need us to make any reasonable adjustments for you from application onwards, including alternatives to the online form or to disclose a neurocognitive condition, please email
People Advisor (Maternity Cover – Fixed Term Contract)
Reports to: Head of People
Department: People, Inclusion & Culture (PIC)
Location: Kings Cross, London (Hybrid – 3–4 days in office)
Hours: 37 per week
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About Us
Our People, Inclusion & Culture team keeps our company moving, supporting a workplace where creativity thrives and people feel valued. We're passionate about fostering a culture of inclusion, wellbeing, and growth so everyone can bring their best to the music.
The Role
As People Advisor, you'll be a trusted partner across the business—guiding managers and employees on all things people-related. From employee relations and wellbeing to parental leave and flexible working, you'll help ensure our people feel supported and empowered. This role is varied, fast-paced, and central to building a positive employee experience.
What You'll Do
Employee Relations
* Act as first point of contact for HR queries, policies, and contracts. Coach managers on employee relations, support with disciplinaries, grievances, and probation reviews, and ensure compliance with UK employment law.
Absence & Wellbeing
* Work with managers to monitor absence and return-to-work processes. Coordinate occupational health referrals and reasonable adjustments, supporting physical and mental wellbeing initiatives throughout the year.
Parental Leave & Flexible Working
* Guide employees through parental leave policies (maternity, paternity, adoption, shared leave) and flexible working applications, ensuring a smooth process for all parties.
Onboarding & Engagement
* Support with onboarding for new joiners and contribute to projects that boost employee engagement, inclusion, and retention.
Compensation & Benefits
* Provide employees with information on benefits, pensions, and pay. Assist with salary reviews and benchmarking alongside the Reward team.
Change & Data
* Support organisational change projects and ensure accurate HR data and reporting on key people metrics like turnover, absence, and D&I.
About You
You'll bring strong HR expertise, empathy, and confidence in handling sensitive matters, alongside a love for working in a creative, fast-moving environment.
Skills & Qualities
* Excellent communicator with strong relationship-building skills
* Organised and detail-focused, able to manage multiple priorities
* Confident in coaching managers and supporting employee relations cases
* Emotionally intelligent, approachable, and discreet
* A proactive problem-solver with resilience and adaptability
* A true team player, and a passion for music is always a plus
Experience
* CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent experience) preferred
* Previous HR Advisor experience in the UK is essential
* Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
* Experience managing absence, parental leave, and employee wellbeing
* Skilled in handling probation reviews, grievances, disciplinaries, and performance issues
* Experience in a fast-paced, creative or media environment a bonus
* Comfortable using HR systems (Workday knowledge desirable)
Benefits:
* Group Personal Pension Scheme (between 3% and 9%)
* Private Medical Insurance
* 25 paid days of annual leave
* Interest Free Season Ticket Loan available
* Holiday Purchase scheme
* Dental and Travel Insurance options
* Cycle to Work Scheme
* Salary Sacrifice Cars
* Subsidised Gym Membership
* Employee Discounts (Reward Gateway)
Just So You Know…
The company presents this job description as a guide to the major areas and duties for which the jobholder is accountable. However, the business operates in an environment that demands change and the jobholder's specific responsibilities and activities will vary and develop. Therefore, the job description should be seen as indicative and not as a permanent, definitive, and exhaustive statement.
Job Category:
People, Inclusion & Culture