About the role
The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is seeking a skilled and commercially‑minded Senior HR, People and Development Adviser to join its People Team, supporting the UK Telecoms Lab (UKTL) programme. This high‑impact role is for an experienced HR professional who thrives in a fast‑moving, technically complex environment and enjoys working closely with leaders to embed change, improve capability and build high‑performing teams.
Responsibilities
* Provide expert advice and guidance on complex policy development, organisational change, performance management and employee relations, supporting sustainable business capability
* Act as the subject‑matter expert for complex ER and/or policy matters, advising managers and leaders and mentoring HR colleagues when required
* Support delivery of the People Strategy, taking ownership of specific HR projects and annual cycle programmes, ensuring effective implementation
* Work in partnership with specialist People Team functions to support:
o engagement and wellbeing
o workforce planning and resourcing
o talent management and succession
o learning & development initiatives
o diversity & inclusion
o the creation of a high‑performance culture
* Help embed recent organisational changes, including post‑restructure activity, ensuring ways of working, roles and behaviours are clearly adopted
* Drive continuous improvement, responding to evolving business needs and statutory requirements
* Use management information and people analytics to provide insight‑led advice and recommendations
* Ensure all employee interactions are fair, consistent, legally compliant and aligned with NPL policies, mitigating organisational risk
Qualifications
* Significant experience in a generalist HR or Senior HR Advisor role, ideally within a technical, scientific or technology‑driven environment
* Strong employee relations experience, confident handling complex and sensitive matters
* Experience supporting organisational change, restructures or transformation programmes
* Credibility and confidence to challenge and influence senior stakeholders
* The ability to work autonomously while contributing effectively to a collaborative People Team
* A practical, solution‑focused approach with strong judgement and attention to detail
* Experience using HR data and metrics to inform decision‑making, and familiarity with working in a sole HR role or in smaller, fast‑growing organisations, particularly those supporting highly technical specialists
* Ability to commute to the UKTL offices in Solihull/Birmingham at least twice a week
Why join NPL?
At NPL, you will shape people outcomes within the UKTL programme at a formative stage, working with passionate experts and contributing to long‑term organisational success. You will be part of a national mission that underpins prosperity and quality of life in the UK, supporting cutting‑edge science and technology. The UKTL facility is a leading edge testing hub that keeps telecommunications networks safe and accelerates new technologies. You will collaborate with infrastructure and cybersecurity professionals to support the UK’s world‑class telecoms infrastructure.
Additional Information
NPL holds an SC clearance with no restrictions. Applicants do not need to hold clearance at the time of application, but the role cannot commence until clearance has been granted.
NPL is a world‑leading centre of excellence providing cutting‑edge measurement science, engineering and technology. We are committed to diversity, equality and inclusion. All disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion or age, and we actively encourage applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates.
We offer industry‑standard benefits, such as an enhanced pension scheme, flexible working and more. We are willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process to ensure everyone has an equal chance.
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