Senior HR Advisor

Status:
Permanent /Full-time

Energy Systems Catapult is an independent research and technology organisation. Our mission is to accelerate Net Zero energy innovation.

Launched in 2015 by Innovate UK, the Catapult has built a team of more than 250 people, with a range of technical, engineering, consumer, commercial, incubation, digital and policy expertise. They draw on sector‑leading test facilities, modelling tools, and data collected from our back catalogue of more than 500 research projects.

We use that “whole energy” system capability to support innovative companies – small and large – to test, trial and scale their new products and services. Our impact comes when those innovators attract new customers, new investment and new grants so they can thrive in the future energy system.

Based in Birmingham, Energy Systems Catapult is part of a network of nine, world‑leading technology and innovation centres, established by Innovate UK. The Catapult Network fosters collaboration between industry, government, research organisations, academia, and many others to transform great ideas into valuable products and services.

We believe that innovation often stems from connecting different areas and ideas, and that working together in person can be an important enabler for that. We therefore expect people to be in the Birmingham office ~40 days/year (roughly one day per week).

The HRteam (currently consisting of a team of
5) has built a solid reputation for day‑to‑day HR operational delivery and for also designing and implementing effective people solutions.

The Senior HR Advisor will be responsible for the following:

• Lead complex employee relations cases including disciplinaries, grievances, absence and performance issues, appeals
• Lead on HR policies, processes, and frameworks
• Partner with senior managers to support business objectives through people strategies
• Support the Head of HR with strategy, project work design, implementation & delivery
• Lead with design and delivery of line management training
• Take ownership of projects and processes including Annual Bonus and Pay Review cycle, Listening Survey, Gender Pay Gap and Benchmarking
• Own performance management frameworks and processes and drive capability across the organisation
• Act as a trusted advisor to hiring managers, providing challenge and guidance on recruitment decisions where needed
• Support and drive organisational change initiatives
  
  Oversee HR systems, reporting, and data‑driven outcomes
• Identify trends in HR metrics and implement solutions to improve retention, engagement, and performance
• Support the HR Advisor with payroll and benefits, ensuring accuracy and efficiency, processing where cover is required
• Ensure legal compliance and manage HR risk across the organisation
• Provision of admin support

• Thorough knowledge of employment law, including all facets of a fast‑moving HR service and exposure/management of payroll including sound knowledge, understanding and practical application of HR best practice & legislation
• Outstanding PC Skills
  -including Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Experience of using HR systems
• High levels of accuracy and attention to detail, along with strong organisational skills (including the ability to prioritise own workload) and able to perform well under pressure when required
• Ability to build credible stakeholder relationships
• Demonstrate discretion, tact, confidentiality and professionalism
• A proactive approach, with ability to work in a dynamic environment to meet business needs
• Highly motivated
• Adapts well to change
• Dependable and team orientated

• Strong presentation and communication skills
• Ability to excel in fast‑paced organisational environment with lots of variety
• Taking ownership of work and managing this effectively and efficiently
• Open to change and adapts well to setbacks or pressurised situations
• Supportive, positive and constructive in relation to your interactions with colleagues and external organisations
• Open to the adoption of new technologies, approaches and ways of doing things

Annual leave 28 days plus bank holidays (FTE) + Buy/Sell holidays…