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