At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert HR support and lead on complex employee relations cases.
- Company: Join XPS Group, a leading consultancy in the pensions and insurance sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonus, flexible holidays, and great health benefits.
- Other info: Hybrid working with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with diverse talents.
- Qualifications: Significant HR experience and strong knowledge of UK employment law required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
XPS Group is a prominent and growing UK consultancy and administration firm within the pensions and insurance sectors. As a FTSE 250 company with over 2000 employees, we leverage expertise alongside advanced technology to serve over 1,400 pension schemes and their sponsors. Our goal is to foster a workplace where diverse talents thrive.
Location: Reading
Employment Type: Permanent, Full Time
Grade: Consultant
Hybrid Working
Job Code: REQ003653
About The Role
XPS are now looking to strengthen our HR team with a new Senior HR Advisor. Based in Reading with hybrid working and occasional travel to our other UK offices as required, this role sits within the HR Business Partnering team and will play a key role in delivering high‑quality, UK employment law compliant HR support across the organisation. Working closely with HR Business Partners and the wider HR team, you will provide expert guidance on employee relations, policy interpretation, and people processes. This role requires strong judgment, the ability to manage complex and sensitive cases, and the confidence to influence stakeholders at all levels. You will also contribute to and lead on HR projects, policy development, and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance the employee experience and support the organisation’s strategic goals.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide proactive, expert advice on all aspects of UK employment law, HR policy, and people processes.
- Lead on complex employee relations cases including disciplinary, grievance, capability and performance management, ensuring fairness, consistency and mitigation of risk.
- Support managers in managing absence, including liaison with occupational health and external partners.
- Ensure HR policies and practices are applied consistently and in line with UK legislation, regulatory requirements and internal audit standards.
- Build strong relationships with managers, acting as a trusted advisor.
- Coach leaders to enhance people management capability and promote best practice.
- Work closely with HR Business Partners to support the delivery of people plans aligned to business objectives.
- Escalate complex or high‑risk issues to HR Business Partners as appropriate.
- Support the development, review and implementation of HR policies, process improvements and change initiatives.
- Lead or support HR projects aligned to business priorities.
Essential
- Significant experience in a generalist HR role, ideally within financial services or another fast‑paced, regulated environment.
- Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
- CIPD Level 5 or relevant experience.
- Proven experience managing complex ER cases with minimal supervision.
- Excellent communication skill, both written and verbal.
- Ability to balance commercial outcomes with people risk considerations.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- Highly organised, able to manage competing priorities and work to tight deadlines.
- Strong attention to detail and a proactive, solutions‑focused approach.
- Confident user of Microsoft Office and HR information systems.
Desirable
- CIPD Level 7 or equivalent.
- Exposure to organisational change including TUPE and restructuring.
What We Offer
Enjoy a competitive salary, annual discretionary bonus, and 25 days holiday with buy/sell flexibility. Benefits include pension matching, healthcare plans, life assurance, and retailer discounts. We support our team with a flexible benefits scheme, employee assistance, and digital GP service. Volunteering events are encouraged with paid volunteer days available. Referral bonuses are offered for introducing suitable candidates to XPS.
Equal Opportunities Statement
XPS Group is committed to diversity and equal opportunities. We welcome applications from all candidates, irrespective of sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or belief. As a Disability Confident employer, we ensure accessible and supportive work settings for all employees.
Eligibility
Any employment offer made will be conditional upon you satisfying DBS Disclosure checks, Employment or educational references, satisfactory credit checks and eligibility to work in the UK before an offer can be made. XPS Group is not able to provide sponsorship to employees.
Senior HR Advisor in Reading employer: XPS Group
XPS Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its employees, offering a dynamic work environment in Reading with hybrid working options. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, we provide comprehensive benefits including competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and opportunities for professional development, ensuring that our team members thrive both personally and professionally. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking consultancy where your contributions are valued and impactful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior HR Advisor in Reading
✨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 XPS Group!
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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.
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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 XPS Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior HR Advisor in Reading
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 XPS 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 XPS 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 XPS Group. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to XPS 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 XPS 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 XPS 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 XPS 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 XPS Group and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
