Senior HR Advisor

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: REQ
003653

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• CIPD Level 7 or equivalent.
• Exposure to organisational change including TUPE and restructuring.

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.unteering events are encouraged with paid volunteer days available. Referral bonuses are offered for introducing suitable candidates to XPS.

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.

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.