At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide strategic HR oversight and mentor the HR Assistant during maternity cover.
- Company: Dynamic organisation seeking a skilled HR Consultant for a crucial role.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working days, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Office-based in London with excellent collaboration and career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on HR strategy while supporting team growth.
- Qualifications: 7+ years of HR experience and strong knowledge of UK employment law.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
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 7+ years of HR experience operating at a manager/senior 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.
Senior 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior HR Consultant (Maternity Cover) in London
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies
Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.
✨Network at HR Events and Workshops
Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at Feefo and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior HR Consultant (Maternity Cover) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!
Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!
Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at Feefo. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Feefo
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at Feefo, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools
Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that Feefo uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.
✨Your Motivation Matters
As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at Feefo.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at Feefo.
