HR Operations Advisor in Swindon

Swindon, Wiltshire, United Kingdom (Hybrid)

Job Category: Human Resources

Job Identification: 2528

Job Shift: Day

Hours: Full time / Part time

Contract Type: Fixed Term (14 months)

Salary: £37,841 per annum

Band: UKRI Band D

Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire – Hybrid (minimum 2 days per week in office)

Hours: Full-time (flexible working available)

Closing Date: Sunday 19th July 2026.

About the role

Do you have experience of working in an operational HR role where no two days are the same? Are you self‑motivated, happy to use your own judgement and provide sound support to colleagues at varying levels? If yes, this role is for you. People are at the centre of all we do. Your role will be varied and fast paced with learning opportunities along the way. As a large team of HR professionals, we strive to provide high quality provisions to c6500 employees across UKRI, by working together and supporting each other. You will be joining UKRI at an exciting time as we adapt to a new HR and Finance System and the opportunities this brings to review and enhance our ways of working, bringing functionality and simplified processes to assist Employees and Managers to ‘self‑serve’ HR first line enquiries.

Your responsibilities

• Manage day‑to‑day queries, providing professional, timely, accurate and robust advice and guidance to managers and staff in line with the HR delegation framework on a wide range of HR queries including pay, attendance, working patterns, performance management, etc., providing advice on associated policies and completion of forms as appropriate.
• Manage or provide support as appropriate on a range of casework including sickness absence, performance management, disciplinary and grievance cases etc.
• Work closely with colleagues in the HR Operations Team, Strategic HR Business Partners and the HR Centres of Expertise in helping to deliver a consistent and joined‑up HR service across the organisation.
• Build effective working relationships with managers and staff and with other HR colleagues to support the maintenance and development of best practice policies and procedures.
• Participate as appropriate in the development and delivery of HR learning and personal development initiatives.
• Lead or support on HR‑related projects as appropriate.
• Review and analyse MI data and trends in order to make recommendations on data‑driven HR actions.
• Adopt a continuous improvement approach to work, to ensure that records are kept up to date and letters, guidance and templates etc. are accurate and appropriate.
• Liaise with colleagues in UKSBS, and other external organisations as appropriate.

Personal Specification

• Current, relevant experience working in an operational HR role, ideally supporting primarily on employee casework and advice and guidance to employees and managers.
• Appropriate CIPD Qualification or equivalent skills and knowledge gained from working in an HR role.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including the ability to present information, to persuade, influence, counsel, support or challenge people at all levels, often in sensitive circumstances, and to treat information confidentially.
• Good attention to detail.
• Ability to work on own initiative and to manage own time effectively.
• Ability to apply judgement and decision‑making to find innovative solutions which meet customer needs, within policy or procedural requirements.
• Ability to work with ambiguity and conflicting priorities.
• A track record of effectively managing a range of casework.
• A self‑motivated, results‑focused and proactive approach to work, with a strong record of delivery.

Benefits

• 30 days’ annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent).
• Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.
• Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice.
• Flexible working options.

UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.