At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and enhance the colleague experience in a dynamic HR role.
- Company: Join Edinburgh Napier University, a values-led institution focused on people.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and excellent pension contributions.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team committed to continuous improvement and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on colleagues' experiences while developing your HR skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR or People Operations with strong organisational and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
We’re looking for a proactive and collaborative People Operations Advisor to join us on a 12‑month fixed‑term contract to cover maternity leave. This role plays an important part in shaping the day‑to‑day experience of colleagues across the University. Working closely with the People Operations Team Leader, you’ll coordinate activity within the team to ensure the smooth, high‑quality delivery of our employee lifecycle processes. If you thrive in a fast‑paced environment, enjoy supporting others, and care about delivering an exceptional colleague experience, we’d love to hear from you.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Coordinate daily workflow to support timely and accurate service delivery.
- Advise and support colleagues, sharing your expertise to build capability across the team.
- Monitor service quality, identifying and resolving issues early.
- Help triage and resolve more complex cases in collaboration with team members.
- Support system and process improvements, including testing new functionality and providing feedback to the Change & Continuous Improvement team.
- Review and streamline processes, ensuring they make best use of system functionality and promote an online‑first approach.
- Create and maintain process guides, supporting clarity and consistency across the People Team.
- Contribute to People Team and University working groups, offering specialist insight.
- Deputise for the People Operations Team Leader and play an active role in developing colleagues.
- Champion our University values and ensure information is managed in line with legislation and policy.
What We’re Looking For
- Strong experience in HR or People Operations within a complex organisation.
- Solid knowledge of employee lifecycle processes and operational HR practice.
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage workload and meet deadlines.
- A continuous‑improvement mindset and confidence using HR systems.
- Great communication and coaching skills, with the ability to support and develop colleagues.
- A proactive, solutions‑focused approach.
Why Join Us?
At Edinburgh Napier, our people are at the heart of everything we do. You’ll join a supportive, values‑led team committed to delivering a high‑quality service and continuously improving how we work. We offer:
- A highly flexible, hybrid working approach.
- Generous annual leave and pension contributions.
- Training and development opportunities.
- A welcoming and inclusive work environment.
Sector‑leading annual leave and pension benefits (41 days annual leave, generous pension scheme with Employer contribution of 17.6%).
Additional Information
Interviews: 17th March 2026 Face‑to‑face interviews at Sighthill. This vacancy may close earlier if a sufficient number of applications are received. Early application is therefore strongly advised. On this occasion, the University will not consider applicants requiring sponsorship or visa support for this role. International applicants will therefore only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
People Advisor, Full time, Fixed Term (12 months) employer: Edinburgh Napier University
Edinburgh Napier University is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff. With a strong commitment to a supportive and inclusive work culture, employees benefit from a highly flexible hybrid working approach, generous annual leave, and extensive training opportunities. Joining our People Operations team means being part of a values-driven organisation where your contributions directly enhance the colleague experience and foster professional growth.
Contact Details:
Edinburgh Napier University Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Advisor, Full time, Fixed Term (12 months)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Edinburgh Napier. Check out their values and recent news. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your experience aligns with the role of People Advisor. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! During the interview, be ready to share specific examples of how you've handled HR challenges in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and make them impactful.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and gives you another chance to reiterate why you're the perfect fit for the People Operations team.
We think you need these skills to ace People Advisor, Full time, Fixed Term (12 months)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the People Advisor role. Highlight your HR or People Operations experience, especially in complex organisations, to show us you’re the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about supporting colleagues and how your proactive approach aligns with our values. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves advising and supporting colleagues, make sure to demonstrate your excellent communication skills in your application. We want to see how you can convey complex information clearly and effectively.
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the vacancy early if we get enough applications, so get yours in through our website as soon as you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Edinburgh Napier University
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your HR and People Operations knowledge, especially around employee lifecycle processes. Familiarise yourself with the specific practices and policies of the organisation you're interviewing with, as this will show that you're proactive and genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Since this role requires excellent organisational skills, be prepared to discuss how you've managed workloads and met deadlines in previous positions. Use specific examples to illustrate your ability to coordinate activities and ensure smooth service delivery.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Highlight your continuous-improvement mindset by sharing examples of how you've contributed to process improvements in past roles. Discuss any experience you have with HR systems and how you've used them to enhance efficiency or service quality.
✨Be a Team Player
This position involves collaboration with team members and supporting colleagues, so be ready to demonstrate your communication and coaching skills. Share instances where you've successfully advised or developed others, showcasing your proactive and solutions-focused approach.
