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