Senior HR Advisor (Maternity Cover) in Suffolk

Reporting to Head of HR

Job location: Hybrid – Ipswich/Home based (2 days in office)

Employment status: 18 Month FTC, Full-Time (37.5 hours per week)

Candidate profile: We are seeking an experienced Senior HR Advisor to join our HR team on an 18-month fixed-term contract for maternity cover. This role will support the Head of HR in delivering the company’s strategy, underpinned by our inclusive culture and strong core values. This is a highly operational role requiring a proactive mindset and the ability to provide robust, commercially aligned, high-quality people relations advice. You will ensure policy compliance, deliver excellent service to employees at all levels of the business, and take full ownership of end-to-end HR operational activities. You will be responsible for implementing and maintaining all HR processes, advising managers on people relations matters, and acting as a trusted point of contact for employee queries. The role covers the full HR lifecycle, including HR systems, payroll changes, benefits administration, engagement initiatives, wellbeing programmes, and coordinating a comprehensive onboarding experience for new joiners.

Duties And Responsibilities:

• Take ownership of all HR operational activities, ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Provide practical and commercially sound people relations support to line managers when dealing with performance issues, sickness absence or other people matters.
• Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships, managing expectations and resolving queries effectively.
• Ensure HR policies and procedures are aligned with employment legislation and best practice.
• Monitor, analyse, and report on key HR metrics including headcount, turnover, retention, and attendance, proactively escalating risks or concerns.
• Manage competency framework processes, implement procedural improvements, monitor personal development outcomes, and identify learning and development needs.
• Oversee training and professional membership processes.
• Manage and administer the company mentorship programme.
• Administer company benefits programmes, including renewals, and maintain strong relationships with benefit providers.
• Manage HR platforms (including HiBob), ensuring data accuracy, process integrity, and timely stakeholder updates (e.g. payroll changes).
• Maintain accurate employee records in line with GDPR requirements.
• Support the Head of HR in reviewing and improving HR practices, including performance management and appraisal frameworks.
• Manage employee engagement surveys, analyse results, and recommend and implement action plans.
• Support people‑related projects, including inclusion and wellbeing initiatives.
• Draft, review, and maintain HR documentation, including onboarding materials, policies, and standard operating procedures (SOP).
• Act as the first point of contact for HR operational queries (policies, payroll, benefits, and processes).
• Oversee and coordinate monthly payroll changes.
• Lead on ad‑hoc HR projects from inception to delivery, ensuring deadlines are met.

Skills And Experience:

• CIPD qualified (Level 7) or working towards.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a similar HR operational role.
• Degree in law, HR or business‑related field (desirable).
• Experience using HiBob or similar HRIS.
• Experience managing complex ER cases.
• Experienced in planning, implementing and overseeing business change initiatives.
• Background in a professional, service‑based environment (desirable).
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Proven operational HR experience.
• Strong analytical skills with advanced Microsoft Office Suite proficiency.
• High emotional intelligence and ability to exercise discretion.

Personal:

• Enthusiastic, resilient team player with a proactive “can‑do” attitude.
• Confident, well‑organised, and highly motivated.
• Pro‑active and improvement driven.
• Willingness to learn, develop, and contribute positively to the HR team.
• Commercially aware, balancing employee experience with business needs.

Required Skills:

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and build trust.
• Calm and adaptable under pressure.
• Empathetic, objective, and balanced decision‑maker.
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
• Able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Skilled in non‑verbal communication and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong IT capability across Microsoft Office, including SharePoint.

Advantageous Skills:

• Knowledge of European or Canadian employment law.