To provide high-level senior strategic oversight to the HR function during the Head of HR’s maternity leave. Operating 2 days a week, this role acts as a crucial bridge between the HR department, SLT, and Executive Team. The Consultant will collaborate directly with senior stakeholders to protect business interests, manage complex or high-risk employee relations (ER) matters, and actively mentor/manage the full-time HR Assistant to ensure seamless departmental continuity.
Contract timeline & handover structure
- Official cover commences: October 2026
- Working pattern: 2 days per week, fully office-based in London. These working days must coincide with 2 of the 3 specific days the wider business is on-site, ensuring maximum collaboration and contact time.
- Contract type: Fixed-term contract (12 months)
- Handover & transition period: An initial start date in early October 2026 is highly preferred.
Responsibilities:
- Act as the main point of contact for the CEO and leadership team, providing expert guidance on high-level people decisions, risk management, and organisational continuity.
- Directly line manage the full-time HR Assistant, setting priorities, overseeing workload delivery, conducting 1:1s, and providing structured coaching to build their confidence and support their progression.
- Take direct ownership of serious high-risk cases, including senior grievances, gross misconduct disciplinaries, complex long-term sickness capability, and potential discrimination claims.
- Provide dedicated, structured coaching and mentorship to the full-time HR Assistant, reviewing their casework to develop their confidence and autonomy in decision-making.
- Safeguard the business against legal exposure by reviewing and signing off on final formal outcomes, settlement agreements, and complex occupational health escalations.
- Maintain oversight of the overall HR strategy, ensuring that ongoing business initiatives align perfectly with core company values and policies during the coverage period.
EXPERIENCE PREFERRED
- Minimum 5+ years of HR experience operating at a Advisory/manager level.
- Proven track record of influencing, collaborating with, and constructively challenging executive-level stakeholders.
- Expert, up-to-date knowledge of UK employment law with extensive hands-on experience leading complex, high-stakes ER cases from investigation to outcome.
- Demonstrated passion for mentoring and fast-tracking the professional growth of junior to mid-level HR team members.
- CIPD Level 7 qualification or equivalent heavyweight corporate/consulting experience
- Exceptional commercial acumen with the ability to balance people best practice with business strategy.
- Operational and cross-functional experience within mid-sized organisations (100+ employees), similar to Feefo.
HR Consultant (Maternity Cover) in London employer: Feefo
Feefo is an exceptional employer that champions a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for a Tech Lead to thrive. With a flexible hybrid working model and a comprehensive benefits package that includes health and wellbeing programs, childcare support, and an electric car scheme, employees are empowered to achieve a healthy work-life balance. The company prioritises professional growth through mentorship opportunities and involvement in impactful working groups, ensuring that every team member can contribute to meaningful projects while advancing their career.
