Senior HR Advisor (Maternity Contract

Position: Senior HR Advisor (Maternity Contract)
Senior HR Advisor (Fixed-Term Contract)

Location:

Southampton (Hybrid)

Contract:

Fixed-Term Contract Sector:
Professional Services A well-established professional services organisation is seeking an experienced Senior HR Advisor to join its People team on a fixed-term basis in Southampton. This is a broad and varied role offering the opportunity to act as a trusted advisor across the business, providing high-quality HR support while taking ownership of complex employee relations matters, policy development, onboarding, professional development programmes, and employee wellbeing initiatives.

Working closely with leaders, managers and employees, you'll play a key role in ensuring a positive employee experience while delivering practical, commercially focused HR solutions in a regulated and professional environment.

Key Responsibilities Employee Relations & Advisory Act as a key point of contact for managers and employees, providing expert HR advice and guidance. Lead and manage a wide range of employee relations matters, including disciplinary cases, grievances. performance management, capability concerns, sickness absence and flexible working requests Maintain accurate case records and ensure timely progression and resolution of all matters. Provide guidance and support on employee wellbeing and workplace issues.

Policy & Employment Law Serve as a subject matter expert on employment law and HR best practice. Review, update and draft HR policies, procedures and guidance documentation. Interpret legislative changes and recommend updates to ensure compliance and best practice. Talent & Employee Lifecycle Lead and manage onboarding and probation processes. Oversee employee exits, including conducting and analysing exit interviews. Support workforce planning and broader people initiatives across the business.

Professional Development & Training Manage professional qualification and development programmes within the organisation. Liaise with professional bodies and external providers to ensure awareness of evolving qualification requirements. Coordinate training delivery, ensuring programmes are delivered effectively and cost-efficiently. Design and deliver HR and people-related training where required. Wellbeing, Inclusion & Engagement Support and promote employee wellbeing initiatives. Contribute to diversity, equity and inclusion programmes and events.

Partner with colleagues across the business to deliver engagement and culture initiatives. Support wider People team projects focused on continuous improvement and employee experience. Essential Experience CIPD Level 5 qualified or equivalent practical experience. Previous experience in a Senior HR Advisor, HR Generalist or Employee Relations-focused role. Proven ability to manage complex employee relations cases independently from start to finish.

Strong and up-to-date knowledge of UK employment law. Experience drafting policies, guidance documents and people-related communications. Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills. Strong communication and influencing capability. Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment. Experience designing and delivering training or workshops. A proactive, pragmatic and solutions-focused approach.

Experience with in professional services, legal, financial services or another regulated environment. Exposure to professional qualifications, apprenticeships or training programmes. Experience supporting wellbeing, inclusion and engagement initiatives.