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- Tasks: Lead complex HR cases and advise managers on policies in a university setting.
- Company: Join a leading UK university with a vibrant academic community.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work flexibility and a competitive salary of £31,000 – £34,000.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in higher education while developing your HR expertise.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 qualified with at least five years of senior advisory experience.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term maternity cover role until late April.
The predicted salary is between 31000 - 34000 £ per year.
Job Description
Senior HR Advisor (Maternity Cover)
Location: Hybrid – 3 days on campus / 2 days remote
Salary: £31,000 – £34,000 per annum
Contract: Fixed-term until late April
Are you an experienced HR professional with a passion for higher education? Do you hold a CIPD Level 7 qualification and have at least five years’ experience advising at a senior level? If so, we want to hear from you!
We’re recruiting a Senior HR Advisor to join a dynamic HR team in a leading UK university on a maternity cover basis. In this pivotal role, you’ll provide expert guidance on complex employee relations casework, including conduct, grievance, and capability matters. You will act as a trusted escalation point for HR Advisors and work closely with HR Business Partners to support academic and professional services managers across the institution.
What you’ll be doing:
- Leading and managing complex employee relations cases from start to finish
- Advising managers on applying HR policies and employment law within the higher education context
- Supporting organisational change projects and workforce planning activities
- Providing coaching and guidance to enhance people management skills
- Overseeing recruitment and selection for senior roles
- Contributing to HR initiatives around equality, diversity, and staff engagement
What we’re looking for:
- CIPD Level 7 qualified (or equivalent) with significant advisory experience
- Proven expertise handling complex casework and employee relations
- Strong interpersonal and influencing skills with the ability to work collaboratively across teams
- Resilient, adaptable, and confident in a fast-paced, multi-stakeholder environment
This is a hybrid role requiring three days on campus each week, with flexible scheduling around key meetings.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your HR career and make a real difference in a vibrant academic community, apply now!
Senior Human Resources Advisor employer: Burman Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Burman Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Human Resources Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Network with current or former HR professionals in higher education. They can provide insights into the specific challenges and expectations of the role, which will help you tailor your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and best practices in employee relations within the higher education sector. This knowledge will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to the field during discussions with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experience that showcase your ability to handle complex casework and advise on HR policies. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter's values and initiatives around equality, diversity, and staff engagement. Being able to align your personal values with ours will make a strong impression and show that you're a great fit for our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Human Resources Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant HR experience, particularly in employee relations and advisory roles. Emphasise your CIPD Level 7 qualification and any specific achievements that demonstrate your expertise in handling complex casework.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for higher education and your understanding of the unique challenges faced in this sector. Use specific examples from your past experience to illustrate how you can contribute to the HR team.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, focus on your interpersonal and influencing skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with teams and managed stakeholder relationships in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in an HR role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Burman Recruitment
✨Showcase Your HR Expertise
Make sure to highlight your experience in handling complex employee relations cases. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've successfully navigated challenging situations, as this will demonstrate your capability and confidence in the role.
✨Understand the Higher Education Context
Familiarise yourself with the unique challenges and policies within the higher education sector. This knowledge will not only impress the interviewers but also show that you are genuinely interested in the role and the institution.
✨Demonstrate Interpersonal Skills
Since the role requires strong interpersonal and influencing skills, be ready to provide examples of how you've effectively collaborated with various teams. Highlight any coaching or mentoring experiences that showcase your ability to enhance people management skills.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-life HR situations. Practising responses to potential scenarios related to conduct, grievance, and capability matters will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.