At a Glance
- Tasks: Support employees and managers with HR queries, wellbeing, and flexible working policies.
- Company: Join the world’s leading music company, Universal Music Group.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, private medical insurance, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Dynamic role in a fast-paced environment with a passion for music.
- Why this job: Be a key player in fostering a creative and inclusive workplace culture.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 preferred; HR experience in the UK is essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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Music is Universal
It’s the passionate and dedicated team at Universal Music who help make us the world’s leading music company. From A&R to finance, legal to digital, sales to marketing, Universal Music is the place to grow and develop your career within a truly commercial and innovative business that leads in everything it does.
Everyone is welcome to apply for our roles, and we are determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment because of gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief, age, marital status, background, pregnancy, or caring responsibilities. We also recognise the importance of diversity of thought within our teams and are fully committed to embracing the talents of people with autism, dyslexia, ADHD, and other forms of neurocognitive variation. We will always seek to make appropriate adjustments to recruitment, workplaces, and work processes to be fully inclusive to people with different needs and working styles. If you need us to make any reasonable adjustments for you from application onwards, including alternatives to the online form or to disclose a neurocognitive condition, please email UniversalMusicCareers@umusic.com.
About Us
Our People, Inclusion & Culture team keeps our company moving, supporting a workplace where creativity thrives and people feel valued. We’re passionate about fostering a culture of inclusion, wellbeing, and growth so everyone can bring their best to the music.
The Role
As People Advisor, you’ll be a trusted partner across the business—guiding managers and employees on all things people-related. From employee relations and wellbeing to parental leave and flexible working, you’ll help ensure our people feel supported and empowered. This role is varied, fast-paced, and central to building a positive employee experience.
What You’ll Do
Employee Relations
- Act as first point of contact for HR queries, policies, and contracts. Coach managers on employee relations, support with disciplinaries, grievances, and probation reviews, and ensure compliance with UK employment law.
Absence & Wellbeing
- Work with managers to monitor absence and return-to-work processes. Coordinate occupational health referrals and reasonable adjustments, supporting physical and mental wellbeing initiatives throughout the year.
Parental Leave & Flexible Working
- Guide employees through parental leave policies (maternity, paternity, adoption, shared leave) and flexible working applications, ensuring a smooth process for all parties.
Onboarding & Engagement
- Support with onboarding for new joiners and contribute to projects that boost employee engagement, inclusion, and retention.
Compensation & Benefits
- Provide employees with information on benefits, pensions, and pay. Assist with salary reviews and benchmarking alongside the Reward team.
Change & Data
- Support organisational change projects and ensure accurate HR data and reporting on key people metrics like turnover, absence, and D&I.
About You
You’ll bring strong HR expertise, empathy, and confidence in handling sensitive matters, alongside a love for working in a creative, fast-moving environment.
Skills & Qualities
- Excellent communicator with strong relationship-building skills
- Organised and detail-focused, able to manage multiple priorities
- Confident in coaching managers and supporting employee relations cases
- Emotionally intelligent, approachable, and discreet
- A proactive problem-solver with resilience and adaptability
- A true team player, and a passion for music is always a plus!
Experience
- CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent experience) preferred
- Previous HR Advisor experience in the UK is essential
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
- Experience managing absence, parental leave, and employee wellbeing
- Skilled in handling probation reviews, grievances, disciplinaries, and performance issues
- Experience in a fast-paced, creative or media environment a bonus
- Comfortable using HR systems (Workday knowledge desirable)
Benefits
- Group Personal Pension Scheme (between 3% and 9%)
- Private Medical Insurance
- 25 paid days of annual leave
- Interest Free Season Ticket Loan available
- Holiday Purchase scheme
- Dental and Travel Insurance options
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Salary Sacrifice Cars
- Subsidised Gym Membership
- Employee Discounts (Reward Gateway)
Just So You Know…
The company presents this job description as a guide to the major areas and duties for which the jobholder is accountable. However, the business operates in an environment that demands change and the jobholder\'s specific responsibilities and activities will vary and develop. Therefore, the job description should be seen as indicative and not as a permanent, definitive, and exhaustive statement.
People Advisor (MAT cover) in City of London employer: Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group is an exceptional employer that champions creativity and inclusivity, making it a vibrant place to work. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing and professional growth, the People Advisor role offers a unique opportunity to support a diverse workforce in a fast-paced, innovative environment. Employees benefit from a comprehensive range of perks, including private medical insurance, generous annual leave, and a culture that values every individual's contribution to the music industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Advisor (MAT cover) in City of London
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Universal Music Group!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Universal Music Group.
We think you need these skills to ace People Advisor (MAT cover) in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Universal Music Group. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Universal Music Group and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Universal Music Group. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Universal Music Group's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Universal Music Group
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Universal Music Group.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Universal Music Group will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Universal Music Group and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
