Human Resources Specialist in Reading

We’re recruiting for an experienced and confident HR Specialist to join a friendly, well-established organisation during an exciting period of continued growth.

Working closely with senior HR colleagues and an HR & Payroll Assistant, you’ll help deliver a professional, consistent and solutions-focused HR service across the business.

This is a varied generalist HR role with a strong focus on employee relations, HR advisory support and process improvement.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide day-to-day HR advice and guidance to managers and employees.
• Advise on HR policies, procedures, TUPE and UK employment legislation.
• Manage and support employee relations cases, including:
• Absence management.
• Disciplinary matters.
• Grievances.
• Performance concerns.
• Manage sickness absence processes from start to finish.
• Monitor absence trends and support return-to-work discussions.
• Coach managers to improve their confidence and capability in people management.
• Prepare clear, accurate and compliant HR documentation, including letters and outcome notes.
• Support onboarding, probation, performance management and offboarding processes.
• Maintain accurate employee records, including absence and compliance data.
• Support onboarding escalations, particularly those involving compliance and DBS requirements.
• Coordinate and support TUPE transfers, including due diligence, data gathering, documentation and employee communications.
• Work closely with operational managers to provide practical, business-focused HR solutions.
• Build strong relationships with head-office and field-based teams.
• Contribute to HR projects, policy reviews, engagement initiatives and process improvements.
• Identify opportunities to improve HR systems, processes and the employee experience.
• Support change initiatives and TUPE-related transitions.

Skills & Experience Required:

• Previous experience in an HR Advisor, HR Specialist or HR Generalist position.
• Strong generalist HR knowledge, with particular strength in employee relations.
• Good working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Experience managing a range of employee relations cases.
• Confident providing HR advice independently, while knowing when to elevate.
• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive, solutions-focused and collaborative.
• Comfortable working with senior colleagues and supporting junior HR team members.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.
• CIPD Level 5, or equivalent experience, would be desirable.
• Able to work full-time from the office in Wokingham.