Interim HR Advisor

Acting as trusted advisor with a strong ER focus, supporting managers through complex people matters. An established, values-led organisation is looking to appoint an experienced interim People Advisor with a strong Employee Relations focus to join its People team. Initially for 3 months, this is an excellent opportunity for a confident, pragmatic HR professional who enjoys managing complex ER matters and supporting managers through sensitive people issues.

The Role

Reporting into the senior People leadership team, you will act as a trusted advisor to managers across the business, managing employee relations cases end-to-end and providing high-quality, commercially sound people advice across the employee lifecycle. You will be a calm, credible presence in challenging situations, balancing empathy with sound judgement, while helping build manager capability and confidence in handling people matters well.

Employee Relations & Case Management

• Act as the first point of contact for managers on ER issues including absence, performance, disciplinary, grievance, capability, conduct and low-risk organisational change.
• Manage a varied ER caseload from initial advice through to resolution, ensuring cases are handled fairly, consistently and in line with policy and employment law.
• Provide clear, pragmatic advice, highlighting people risk and recommending appropriate courses of action.
• Coach and support managers through ER processes, including preparation for meetings, drafting documentation and decision-making.
• Maintain accurate and thorough case documentation using HR systems and case management tools.

People Advisory & Employee Lifecycle Support

• Advise on employee lifecycle matters including onboarding, probation, contractual changes, family leave, flexible working and leavers.
• Ensure policies and procedures are applied consistently and appropriately.
• Work collaboratively with People Partners and People Operations to deliver a smooth and positive employee experience.
• Contribute to the review and continuous improvement of HR policies, templates and guidance.
• Support delivery of People initiatives and contribute to the wider People Plan.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, manager guidance and ways of working that enhance employee experience and business outcomes.
• Support the design and delivery of manager training and communication materials.

You will bring:

• Proven experience in a People Advisor or Employee Relations role.
• Strong, demonstrable experience managing complex ER cases independently.
• Excellent communication skills, with the confidence to influence and advise stakeholders at all levels.
• A pragmatic, commercially minded approach with strong attention to detail.
• A high degree of professionalism, discretion and confidentiality.
• Strong organisational skills and confidence working across multiple cases simultaneously.
• Good working knowledge of HR systems and the full Microsoft Office suite.
• CIPD qualification (or working towards).
• Experience supporting organisational change (e.g. restructures, consultations, TUPE).
• Experience working in a fast-paced or multi-site environment.

The balance between ER work and general advisory activity will vary depending on business needs, requiring flexibility and strong prioritisation skills. Occasional travel may be required.