At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead employee relations and development initiatives while providing expert HR support.
- Company: Respected professional services firm in Southampton with a forward-thinking culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a commitment to equal opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on employee wellbeing and organisational success.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or equivalent experience in HR, especially in employee relations.
We are delighted to be partnering with a highly respected and well-established professional services firm in the Southampton area to recruit a Senior HR Advisor - Employee Relations & Development on a maternity cover contract to run until December 2027. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced HR professional to join a forward-thinking organisation, delivering a first-class HR service across the business. The successful candidate will provide commercially focused and value-added HR support, whilst acting as the firm's subject matter expert in employee relations and employment law. The position requires strong technical HR expertise, sound judgement, and the ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels. The role offers a hybrid working arrangement, with working hours of 9:00am - 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the firm's internal expert on UK employment law.
- Lead and manage a broad range of employee relations cases, including disciplinary, grievance, performance management, capability, flexible working, and absence management matters.
- Provide expert guidance and risk-based recommendations to Partners and line managers, ensuring compliance with employment legislation and internal policies.
- Prepare and review investigation reports, case documentation, correspondence, and outcome letters.
- Promote the early resolution of workplace issues through proactive intervention and coaching.
- Review, update, and draft HR policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with legal requirements, best practice, and organisational objectives.
- Support managers and employees by providing clear guidance on HR-related matters and wellbeing initiatives.
- Lead and coordinate the onboarding and probation process, ensuring a positive and professional experience for new employees.
- Manage the employee lifecycle from onboarding through to exit, including conducting exit interviews, analysing trends, and identifying opportunities for improvement.
- Oversee the trainee qualification programme.
- Act as the primary HR contact for trainees, providing ongoing support, guidance, and wellbeing assistance.
- Ensure mandatory, compliance, and professional development training is delivered effectively, efficiently, and within budget.
- Design and deliver training sessions, presentations, and HR guidance where required.
- Partner with the HR Manager and EDI Partner to coordinate inclusion initiatives, awareness campaigns, webinars, and development events.
- Support the management of the firm's Mental Health First Aider programme.
You will need:
- CIPD Level 5 qualification or equivalent professional experience.
- Proven experience in a Senior HR Advisor, Employee Relations Specialist, or similar role, ideally within a professional service, legal, financial, or regulated environment.
- Demonstrable experience managing complex employee relations cases.
- Strong and up-to-date knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
- Experience drafting policies, guidance notes, training materials, and employee communications.
- The ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- A proactive and self-motivated approach, with the confidence to lead initiatives and drive projects forward.
If you are an experienced HR professional looking for a varied and rewarding opportunity within a respected professional services organisation, please don’t hesitate to APPLY.
Please be aware this advert will remain open until the vacancy has been filled. Interviews will take place throughout this period, therefore we encourage you to apply early to avoid disappointment.
Tate is committed to promoting equal opportunities. To ensure that every candidate has the best experience with us, we encourage you to let us know if there are any adjustments we can make during the application or interview process. Your comfort and accessibility are our priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Additionally, we value and respect your individuality, and we invite you to share your preferred pronouns in your application.
Senior HR Advisor (Maternity Contract) in Southampton employer: Tate
Tate in Uxbridge is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where your passion for art can thrive alongside your professional growth. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on impactful audience insights, you will have the opportunity to lead a talented team while shaping strategies that resonate globally. Enjoy a supportive environment that values creativity and encourages continuous learning, making it a truly rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior HR Advisor (Maternity Contract) in Southampton
✨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 Tate 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 Advisor (Maternity Contract) in Southampton
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 Tate. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tate
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at Tate, 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 Tate 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 Tate.
✨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 Tate.
