Senior HR Advisor (Maternity Contract) in London

A well-established professional services organisation is seeking an experienced Senior HR Advisor to join its People team on a fixed-term basis in Southampton. This is a broad and varied role offering the opportunity to act as a trusted advisor across the business, providing high-quality HR support while taking ownership of complex employee relations matters, policy development, onboarding, professional development programmes, and employee wellbeing initiatives. Working closely with leaders, managers and employees, you'll play a key role in ensuring a positive employee experience while delivering practical, commercially focused HR solutions in a regulated and professional environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Employee Relations & Advisory
  • Act as a key point of contact for managers and employees, providing expert HR advice and guidance.
  • Lead and manage a wide range of employee relations matters, including disciplinary cases, grievances, performance management, capability concerns, sickness absence and flexible working requests.
  • Maintain accurate case records and ensure timely progression and resolution of all matters.
  • Provide guidance and support on employee wellbeing and workplace issues.
• Policy & Employment Law
  • Serve as a subject matter expert on employment law and HR best practice.
  • Review, update and draft HR policies, procedures and guidance documentation.
  • Interpret legislative changes and recommend updates to ensure compliance and best practice.
• Talent & Employee Lifecycle
  • Lead and manage onboarding and probation processes.
  • Oversee employee exits, including conducting and analysing exit interviews.
  • Support workforce planning and broader people initiatives across the business.
• Professional Development & Training
  • Manage professional qualification and development programmes within the organisation.
  • Liaise with professional bodies and external providers to ensure awareness of evolving qualification requirements.
  • Coordinate training delivery, ensuring programmes are delivered effectively and cost-efficiently.
  • Design and deliver HR and people-related training where required.
• Wellbeing, Inclusion & Engagement
  • Support and promote employee wellbeing initiatives.
  • Contribute to diversity, equity and inclusion programmes and events.
  • Partner with colleagues across the business to deliver engagement and culture initiatives.
  • Support wider People team projects focused on continuous improvement and employee experience.

Essential Experience

• CIPD Level 5 qualified or equivalent practical experience.
• Previous experience in a Senior HR Advisor, HR Generalist or Employee Relations-focused role.
• Proven ability to manage complex employee relations cases independently from start to finish.
• Strong and up-to-date knowledge of UK employment law.
• Experience drafting policies, guidance documents and people-related communications.
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Strong communication and influencing capability.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience designing and delivering training or workshops.
• A proactive, pragmatic and solutions-focused approach.
• Experience within professional services, legal, financial services or another regulated environment.
• Exposure to professional qualifications, apprenticeships or training programmes.
• Experience supporting wellbeing, inclusion and engagement initiatives.